Commercial storage or electricity storage for companies: Important factors when purchasing - number of cycles and other key figures in focus

📡 As energy costs for business and industry are rising rapidly, commercial electricity storage is becoming increasingly important. Particularly for companies that work energy-intensively or have already invested in photovoltaic systems, the challenge is to optimize their own energy consumption. However, selecting the right battery storage system is often complicated and involves numerous questions. Which key figures are really meaningful when evaluating offers? How to separate reliable systems from less effective ones?

In this guide, we offer comprehensive guidance in the decision-making process, clarify misunderstandings and prepare you for typical pitfalls.

📊 Important key figures for electricity storage and their importance

Efficient electricity storage can mean the difference between inefficient energy waste and optimized use. It makes it possible to store energy during times of low demand and to provide it in a targeted manner when demand is high. Here are the key figures that are crucial when evaluating an electricity storage system:

Overall efficiency

A common misunderstanding is that the efficiency of individual components reflects the overall performance of a power storage system. What is crucial, however, is the overall efficiency, which describes how much of the energy fed in can ultimately be used.

Ask your provider explicitly about overall efficiency and have the processes and components involved explained to you. Overall efficiency takes into account all losses that occur during energy storage and extraction. This includes aspects such as charging and discharging losses as well as losses due to system operation and self-discharge.

Warranty conditions

Warranty conditions are often a hidden cost. In the event of a warranty claim, it is crucial to know who will pay the costs. Sometimes the buyer may be required to provide proof, which creates additional complications.

Inquire carefully about the warranty conditions and have them confirmed in writing. Pay attention to how defects must be proven and who is liable in the event of damage. A transparent and comprehensive guarantee can lead to significant cost savings in the long term.

Price and included services

Price transparency is often more complex than it appears at first glance. Which technical systems are included in the price? An integrated energy management system (EMS) can be crucial for efficiency. Post-installation services, such as monitoring or user-friendly remote control of the energy storage system, are also essential.

Request a detailed cost estimate and have each item explained to you in detail. Clarify whether the price includes all necessary components and services or whether additional costs are to be expected.

🚫 Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

There are certain metrics that initially seem attractive, but upon closer inspection do not reflect the actual benefits. Always consider the following selling points with caution.

LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)

Originally intended for comparing PV systems, the LCOE has its pitfalls when it comes to electricity storage systems. This value can be misleading because it does not take into account the overall efficiency of the storage (charges and discharges).

When comparing storage offerings, focus on overall efficiency and view LCOE as additional information.

Number of cycles

Today, it is hardly possible to reliably determine the service life of a battery storage system based on the number of cycles. Average estimates can vary greatly depending on usage and environmental conditions.

Pay more attention to the warranty conditions and try to transfer the risk of battery life to the manufacturer. Although a high number of cycles is desirable, it should not be the sole criterion.

Efficiency

An often cited but often misunderstood key figure is efficiency. Be sure to ask which processes and components are taken into account. The efficiency only provides limited information about how efficiently a battery storage system really works.

Always place information about efficiency in relation to overall efficiency.

Energy density

Gravimetric or volumetric energy density can be of interest in certain storage applications, but usually plays a minor role in commercial storage. High energy density storage can be useful when space is a concern, but other factors are often more important.

📊 HTW Berlin analyzes: Efficiency comparison of battery storage systems questionable

In the article from pv magazine entitled 'Battery storage test 2024' compares apples with oranges ', a questionable product comparison is discussed in which the battery storage system "Sungrow SBR096" was chosen as the test winner due to its high efficiency. The article points out that this comparison is problematic. An analysis by HTW Berlin shows why comparing efficiency based on data sheet values ​​is not very effective and which negligent mistakes were made.

🌍 A future-oriented decision

Purchasing commercial energy storage is a forward-thinking decision that requires thorough research and asking the right questions. Here are some additional aspects to consider when making your decision:

Environmental friendliness and sustainability

In addition to financial considerations, the ecological balance is playing an increasingly important role. What materials are used in the batteries? Can these be recycled? Sustainable electricity storage not only reduces the company's carbon footprint, but can also have a positive impact on the company's image.

Financing and funding opportunities

Many countries now offer funding programs for companies that want to invest in energy storage systems. Find out about possible subsidies, loans with favorable conditions or tax breaks. Professional advice can help you make the most of the available options and reduce investment costs.

Integration into the energy management system

The seamless integration of the new storage system into the company's existing energy management is crucial. The storage system should not only store energy, but also be able to be intelligently controlled to avoid load peaks and maximize self-consumption. A modern energy management system (EMS) can support this.

Future proof and scalability

Technology is evolving. You should therefore make sure that the power storage you choose is future-proof and scalable. Can the storage capacity be easily expanded as energy requirements increase? Is the technology used future-proof and will it continue to be supported and developed further?

An efficient energy storage system can make a significant contribution to reducing energy costs and enable more sustainable operations. The right energy storage not only improves financial efficiency, but also the company's energy resilience. In times of energy transition and decarbonization, the storage of renewable energies plays a central role. With the right storage technology, a company can not only reduce costs, but also make a contribution to climate protection and position itself as an environmentally conscious player.

✔️ Understand key figures and ask the right questions

Investing in commercial electricity storage is a strategic decision that should be made through sound information and careful planning. Understanding the most important key figures and asking the right questions is essential. This guide is intended to help you identify the best power storage for your needs and avoid potential pitfalls. This way you can ensure that your investment is not only financially worthwhile, but also future-oriented and sustainable.

📣 Similar topics

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• 🛠️ Purchasing battery storage: What companies need to consider
• 📊 Increase efficiency: The most important key figures for energy storage
• 🔍 The perfect commercial storage: decision-making made easy
• ⚙️ Buy power storage correctly: A comprehensive guide
• 💸 Costs at a glance: price-performance ratio of battery storage systems
• 🔒 Guarantees & Service: What you need to pay attention to when it comes to battery storage
• ⚡ Using energy sensibly: How battery storage can help companies
• 📈 Future-proof: Investing in commercial energy storage

#️⃣ Hashtags: #Energy Efficiency #Battery Storage #Energy Costs #Commercial Storage #Energy Saving

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