The energy landscape has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with rising costs, environmental goals and unreliable power supply at the forefront of corporate discussions.

In this context, companies must ask themselves: how can we adapt to ensure long-term cost management, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility? Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), when coupled with solar energy, offer a range of benefits that stretches beyond managing the challenges posed by power outages such as loadshedding – there is so much more to it. 

Solar energy company RenEnergy Africa MD Claude Peters explains seven ways that businesses can use solar and energy storage to optimise their businesses.

1. Energy cost savings 

BESS allows businesses to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during peak demand periods when electricity prices are higher. This reduces reliance on the grid during costly peak hours, leading to significant savings 

2. Time-of-use arbitrage 

Even in the absence of solar energy, by storing grid electricity when prices are low (typically during off-peak hours) and using it during high-demand periods, BESS enables more predictable and manageable energy costs. 

3. Enhanced energy security for sustained product quality

Power outages can occur for various reasons, including grid failures, vandalism, storms, maintenance and interruptions such as load reduction or loadshedding. BESS ensures a reliable power supply, protecting sensitive processes such as manufacturing, heating and cooling from disruptions. By relying on stored solar energy, operations become less dependent on an often unreliable grid, especially in remote or off-grid areas. 

4. Overcome grid capacity challenges

Businesses are increasingly affected by the grid’s inability to generate and supply enough electricity to meet rising demand, largely owing to aging infrastructure, insufficient maintenance and delays in bringing new generation capacity online. When the grid is already operating at or near full capacity, it cannot accommodate the additional power generation from new solar systems, and then customers may face difficulty in connecting new solar installations to the grid. Capacity issues need not pose a serious barrier to your business growth. With smartly engineered solutions, you can have a reliable and independent power supply, even when the grid cannot accept new generation capacity.

5. Operational flexibility and efficiency

Solar energy production does not always align with energy demand, especially where activities such as irrigation or processing may be required in the early morning or evening. BESS allows the solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used when needed, optimising the use of renewable energy and reducing wastage. 

6. Enhanced price competitiveness

By lowering and stabilising energy costs, you can reduce your overall production costs over the long term, making you more competitive in local and international markets. 

7. Sustainability strides

With the increasing importance of sustainability, locally and internationally, integrating solar with BESS supports the shift towards more sustainable and environment friendly practices. This not only reduces carbon footprints, but also aligns with global trends, export requirements and consumer demands for greener production methods. As regulations around carbon emissions and energy efficiency are developed, having a robust energy strategy can help businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements. 

The importance of proactive energy planning 

Energy storage, when paired with solar power, offers you a solution that goes beyond merely managing loadshedding. Claude adds: “Businesses that take control of their energy needs today will be better positioned to succeed in future. The key to navigating the energy landscape is proactive planning and investment in sustainable energy solutions. Solar is a long-term investment, therefore choosing a reputable partner with excellent credentials for your energy journey is vital. Long-term quality has a value – simply picking the cheapest quote today, may not be the smartest business decision in the long run.” 

Claude Peters, a Free State native, spent 16 years managing businesses in Europe before returning to South Africa in 2012 to launch RenEnergy Africa. The business was acquired by the international energy group, Aggreko, in 2023 - a testament to RenEnergy’s smartly engineered solar innovations. RenEnergy has significantly impacted the shift to clean energy, showcasing how businesses can thrive through renewable technologies. Claude serves as a board member of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association.