Maximise Energy Savings: Benefits of Solar PV & Battery Storage

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, businesses are increasingly seeking sustainable strategies to both cut costs and minimise their carbon footprints. One innovative solution gaining traction is the installation of commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop systems coupled with battery storage. This combination not only delivers significant financial benefits but also enhances energy independence, bolsters environmental stewardship, and provides remarkable flexibility and efficiency in energy usage.

By integrating a commercial solar PV rooftop array, businesses can take the reins of their electricity generation, substantially reducing their reliance on the national grid while simultaneously lowering energy costs. Solar power harnesses the boundless energy of sunlight, enabling enterprises to generate clean, renewable energy and effectively reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills. While the initial investment for such systems may seem daunting, the cost savings realised often allow businesses to recoup their investment within a few years, ultimately leading to increased profitability and enhanced financial stability.

In a compelling case study, Julian Grant, General Manager at Chauvin Arnoux UK, elucidates how data from a three-phase power and energy logger (PEL) offers invaluable insights into energy consumption patterns, peak demand timings, usage trends, and avenues for improving energy efficiency—all while considering the installation of solar PV arrays and battery storage solutions.

Integrating a battery storage system with a commercial solar PV array affords businesses greater energy self-sufficiency and increased reliability. Any surplus solar energy generated during daylight hours can be stored in batteries for use during periods of low solar generation or at night. This stored energy guarantees a continuous power supply, significantly diminishing dependence on the grid and safeguarding against potential power outages. By establishing a reliable, self-sustaining energy source, businesses can maintain critical operations, thereby enhancing overall productivity and customer satisfaction.

In addition to the financial benefits of reduced energy bills and diminished reliance on the grid, another significant advantage of commercial solar PV rooftop arrays is their positive environmental impact. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that generates no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By transitioning to solar power, businesses can play their part in the global fight against climate change, reducing air pollution and conserving vital natural resources. By adopting sustainable practices and actively working to reduce their carbon footprints, companies can bolster their environmental reputations, appealing to eco-conscious customers and stakeholders who prioritise corporate environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, commercial solar PV rooftop arrays provide businesses with scalability and the flexibility to adjust to changing energy demands. With available rooftop space, companies can easily expand their solar capacity by adding more panels, enabling them to generate additional electricity to meet growing needs. The modular design of solar systems permits businesses to incrementally increase their capacity over time, aligning with their future growth plans and energy requirements. This adaptability ensures that commercial solar PV systems remain a long-term solution, capable of scaling up as necessary.

So, are you considering a solar PV installation for your business? Here’s how to get started!

Before embarking on a solar PV project, it is essential for businesses to gain a thorough understanding of their electricity usage patterns. This involves measuring consumption throughout the day and night, assessing variations on daily, weekly, and monthly bases, and identifying seasonal fluctuations influenced by factors such as lighting, heating, and air-conditioning.

The best way to achieve this is by utilising a portable power and energy logger from Chauvin Arnoux. This powerful instrument records key parameters including voltage, current, power, and energy usage. The data collected provides critical insights into actual energy consumption patterns, helping to identify peak demand periods, usage trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for enhanced energy efficiency.

The energy consumption data gathered by the three-phase PEL is instrumental in determining the appropriate size of a commercial solar PV array. It enables businesses to estimate the necessary capacity of solar panels required to generate sufficient electricity to meet their energy needs. By factoring in elements such as available roof space, panel orientation, solar irradiation levels, and energy usage patterns, the insights derived from a Chauvin Arnoux power and energy logger ensure that the solar PV system is appropriately sized for optimal energy generation and cost savings.

Moreover, incorporating a battery storage system into a commercial solar PV array further enhances energy independence and reliability. In this context, the three-phase PEL aids in determining the necessary capacity of the battery storage system by logging energy usage data during non-sunlight hours. This data elucidates the amount of stored energy needed to fulfil the premises’ energy demands during periods of low solar generation or high consumption.

In conclusion, investing in a commercial solar PV rooftop array alongside a battery storage system can offer businesses a plethora of advantages. The substantial cost savings realised through reduced electricity bills, coupled with enhanced energy independence and reliability, render solar power an attractive solution for modern enterprises.

Additionally, embracing solar energy contributes significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints and promoting the use of clean, renewable energy sources. In this way, businesses not only enhance their profitability but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability, thereby attracting eco-friendly customers and partners who value a commitment to a greener future.

To learn more about implementing a solar PV system for your business, visit: Chauvin Arnoux’s resources.

This article first appeared in the April 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.