At NFU Energy, we know many businesses have already installed solar PV systems to power their homes or businesses, or to sell surplus energy back to the grid. But have you considered adding a battery to your setup? Retrofitting battery storage can offer a wide range of benefits, from reducing your reliance on the grid to providing backup power during outages. Our Renewable Energy Solutions team works with approved installers to find the best battery system for your farm. Here’s why adding a battery could be a game-changer:
- Maximise Your Solar Power Usage
By storing excess solar energy generated during the day, you can use it when your farm’s demand peaks outside daylight hours. This is particularly beneficial for energy-intensive operations like dairy farms and cold storage. A battery allows you to reduce your dependence on grid electricity and make the most of your solar PV system.
- Increase Your Energy Self-Sufficiency
With battery storage, you can maximise the amount of solar energy you use on-site, reducing the need to rely on external suppliers. Rather than exporting unused electricity back to the grid, you can store it for your own use, giving you greater control over your energy consumption.
- Reduce Energy Costs with Time-of-Use Tariffs
Battery storage systems enable you to optimise time-of-use tariffs by storing energy during cheaper periods and using it during peak hours. This can significantly lower your energy bills, as you avoid using grid electricity when prices are highest.
- Backup Power During Outages
Many battery systems provide emergency power supply capabilities, so you can access stored energy during power cuts. This is crucial for rural or isolated farms, where grid outages can cause costly downtime, particularly for refrigeration, irrigation, or essential machinery.
- Modular, Scalable Systems
Battery storage systems are modular and upgradeable, allowing you to increase capacity as your energy needs grow. If you’re unsure about the right size, you can monitor your energy usage over a six-month period to help determine the best solution for your farm.
- Long-Term Financial Benefits
Batteries typically last 10-15 years, with a payback period of seven years or less. At current electricity prices, storing and consuming around 28,000 kWh makes a 12kWh battery—installed at approximately £7,000—a sound financial investment. With the right system, the long-term savings on energy bills will more than cover the upfront cost.
- Outdoor Installation Flexibility
Many battery models are IP65-rated, meaning they can be safely installed outdoors. This saves valuable indoor space while also reducing health and safety risks in storage or operational areas.
- Seamless Compatibility with Existing Systems
AC-connected batteries integrate easily with all grid-tied solar PV and wind systems, meaning your Feed-In Tariff (FiT) payments remain unaffected. You’ll continue to benefit from both generating income through FiT and using stored energy when you need it most.
Whether your goal is to reduce energy costs, enhance your farm's energy security, or contribute to a more sustainable future, installing a battery storage system is a smart investment. By optimising the use of your solar PV, you'll gain greater control over your energy consumption, lower your reliance on the grid, and future-proof your farm against rising energy prices. Our Renewable Energy Solutions team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you get the right solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today on 024 7669 6512 or email [email protected] to explore how battery storage can benefit your farm for years to come.