In a time of volatile energy prices and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, UK businesses are looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to manage their energy use. One of the most promising solutions is battery storage, especially when combined with renewable energy sources like solar panels
Whether you're running a factory, a hotel, or a chain of retail outlets, integrating battery storage into your energy strategy can lower your costs, increase resilience, and future-proof your business against energy market shifts. Here's how.
Reduce Peak-Time Charges
Energy prices are typically higher during peak demand periods (usually between 4pm and 7pm in the UK). With battery storage, your business can store cheaper electricity generated during off-peak times and use it when rates spike. This way your business is less likely to have to rely on the energy grid when energy demand spikes.
Unlock the full potential of on-site renewables
If your business already uses solar panels or another renewable source, you may be generating more power than you can use during the day. Without storage, that excess energy is either wasted or exported to the grid for minimal financial return.
Battery storage allows you to store this excess generation and use it later. If your business is 24-hour, this could come in handy for using the excess energy of a nighttime. This increases your self-consumption rate and ensures you get the maximum return on your clean energy investment.
Access New Revenue Streams
Battery storage doesn't just save you money; it can also make you money. Through participation in services, such as:
- Demand Side Response (DSR): Your business can be paid to reduce or shift its energy use at peak times.
- Grid Balancing Services: Batteries can supply energy to help balance the national grid, with incentives paid to participants.
- Energy Trading: Businesses with advanced systems can trade stored energy in real-time, leveraging market prices.
This opens new, flexible income streams, making your energy system an active business asset.
Improve energy resilience
Power outages can disrupt operations and cause losses. This can be detrimental to some businesses. Battery systems can act as a backup, maintaining operations when the grid goes down. For businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, or data services, this resilience is critical.
With battery storage, you gain greater control over your energy supply and reduce your reliance on an increasingly unpredictable grid.
Support your sustainability goals
Battery storage, especially when paired with renewables, reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and lowers your carbon footprint. This helps meet internal ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets, and enhances your reputation with environmentally conscious customers, investors, and regulators.
In some sectors, showing leadership on clean energy is a beneficial competitive advantage.
Take advantage of government incentives
The UK government continues to support businesses transitioning to clean energy through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and grants for low-carbon technology adoption. Battery storage is increasingly recognised as a key component in the shift toward Net Zero.
Financing options are also improving, with some providers offering battery storage as a service, meaning you pay a monthly fee rather than a large upfront cost.
Is Battery Storage Right for Your Business?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- Your current energy usage profile – businesses that use a lot of energy would benefit from battery storage and the savings it could bring.
- Whether you already generate renewable energy – If you have solar panels at your property, you could be missing out on savings if you don’t have battery storage.
- Your peak demand charges – Battery storage could be more beneficial if your company must run during peak usage times. This way your company can rely on renewable energy rather than expensive energy from the grid.
- Operational criticality – You must consider what is at risk by not having battery storage. For example, if your business shut down due to a power outage, how detrimental would this be?
But for many UK businesses, battery storage is becoming essential.
Battery storage is more than a sustainability I s a smart business move. It helps reduce costs, smooth out price volatility, and opens doors to new revenue streams. For UK businesses ready to future-proof their energy strategy, now is the time to explore how clean energy and battery storage can work together to deliver financial and environmental returns.
Ready to take the next step? Talk to our team today to assess your site's potential and see what a tailored solution could save you.
If you're ready to improve your energy efficiency whilst driving down energy bills then why not get in touch? With our carbon management plans we will give your business everything it needs to reduce consumption and maximise on savings. . Request a free quote now and start reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills today.
