Reducing Energy Costs for Businesses Across the South East
For many businesses across the South East, electricity bills are no longer just about how much energy you use – they’re about when you use it.
Rising unit rates, volatile wholesale markets and increasing network charges mean that peak demand periods can significantly inflate operational costs. This is where commercial battery storage plays a critical role.
Battery storage for commercial peak shaving allows businesses to reduce maximum demand charges, protect against price spikes and improve ROI on their solar PV system. At SolarTherm UK, we design and install commercial battery storage solutions that integrate seamlessly with your solar panels and energy profile.
What Is Commercial Peak Shaving?
Peak shaving is the process of reducing your site’s electricity demand during periods of highest consumption. Most commercial electricity contracts include:
- Unit rate (kWh cost)
- Standing charges
- Maximum demand charges (kVA or KW)
Maximum demand is typically calculated based on your highest half hour usage within a billing period. One short spike in usage can affect your costs for months. A battery storage system discharged during these peaks, reducing grid import at critical times. The result? Lower maximum demand charges and more predictable energy costs.
How Battery Storage Works With a Solar PV System
When combined with a commercial solar PV system, battery storage delivers multiple layers of financial benefit:
Store Surplus Solar Energy
During the day, solar panels may generate more electricity that your site is using. Instead of exporting this energy at low rates, it can be stored.
Discharge During Peak Demand
When machinery, HVAC, refrigeration or production lines increase load, the battery discharges to reduce grid import.
Avoid High Tariff Periods
For businesses on time of use or half hourly tariffs, batteries can charge off peak and discharge during high rate periods.
This intelligent energy management significantly improves system payback periods.
Why Peak Shaving Matters in the South East
Businesses in the South East are facing higher commercial property operating costs, with higher rents, higher energy bills and higher business rates. Battery storage helps you reduce some of your operating costs by reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity and lowering your bills.
Whether you business operates in Essex, Kent or the wider South East, managing peak load is becoming a key strategy for cost control. Battery storage provides a practical solution without reducing operational output.
Key Benefits of Commercial Battery Storage
Lower Maximum Demand Charges
Even a small reduction in peak load can deliver substantial annual savings.
Faster ROI on Solar Panels
By increasing on site self-consumption, you maximise the value of your solar PV system.
Protection Against Price Volatility
Battery storage reduces exposure to sudden tariff increases.
Grid Resilience
In certain configurations, battery systems can provide backup power during outages.
ESG and Sustainability Credentials
Reducing peak demand supports grid stability and demonstrates proactive carbon management.
Is Your Business Suitable for Peak Shaving?
Commercial battery storage is particularly effective for:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses and logistics centres
- Hotels and leisure facilities
- Care homes
- Office buildings with high HVAC loads
- Food production and cold storage
If your half hourly data shows sharp demand spikes, you are likely a strong candidate. At SolarTherm UK we analyse your load profile before recommending system sizing. Oversizing a battery reduces ROI – undersizing limits savings. Accurate modelling is critical to balance costs and savings.
How Battery Sizing Is Determined
We assess:
- Historical half hourly consumption data
- Maximum import capacity (MIC)
- Solar PV generation forecasts
- Tariff structure
- Operational patterns
This ensures your battery storage system is engineered for financial optimisation, not guesswork.
Commercial Solar and Battery: A Strategic Investment
As energy markets continue to evolve, businesses that proactively manage their electricity profile gain a competitive advantage. Battery storage for commercial peak shaving is no longer just a sustainability measure – it’s a financial strategy.
For companies across the South East, combining commercial solar panels with intelligent battery storage can reduce overheads, improve cash flow, stabilise long term energy costs and strengthen ESG reporting.
Speak to SolarTherm UK
If you operate a commercial property in the South East and want to reduce peak demand charges, our team can carry out a detailed feasibility assessment. We provide a complete service including load analysis and bespoke system design. Our clear ROI projections are verified by a third party – EPVS – to ensure accuracy, and our installers are MCS accredited, making your system ready for export and with compliance and safety measures in place.
At SolarTherm UK, our service doesn’t just stop at install, we’re available long term for ongoing technical support, maintenance and system testing, giving you peace of mind your system will generate electricity reliably for 30 years or more.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, energy usage patterns and future energy goals. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your business. Your energy. Your future.
