Solar
C&I Accumulation: Managers of our own energy
C&I Accumulation Systems burst into the industry when the industry realises that it needs to manage its own energy. In industry, smart energy management is key to optimising your costs and transforming your energy and financial management.
How do C&I Accumulation solutions come about?
At a European level, industrial accumulation arises for two main reasons. First, to address the energy needs of both the electricity grid in general and consumers in particular. Second, because technology, especially lithium, has reached competitive price ranges, especially when accompanied by incentives such as grants and subsidies from Europe.
Demand for Commercial and Industrial Storage Systems is intensifying as industries understand the need to manage their own energy in the long term. This is especially evident when these solutions are combined with in-house generation systems, such as parallel photovoltaic installations or other renewable energy sources.
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C&I Accumulation Systems burst out when the industry realises that it needs to manage its own energy.
Why install C&I Accumulation solutions? Does it really pay off?
There are several reasons why a company may require a high power storage system:
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Self-consumption with surplus →
Photovoltaic batteries are an essential complement to high-power solar self-consumption systems. When operating in no-surplus mode, the spill controller often wastes energy by regulating the PV inverters to avoid overloads. Integrating batteries enables these surpluses to be harnessed by storing them for later use, thus optimising efficiency and maximising the use of solar energy.
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Time of use →
Companies with PV installations often lack discharge monitoring and operate under compensation contracts. However, the price set for these surpluses is often lower than that of energy at other times of the day. Therefore, comparing the cost of compensation with the cost of storage and subsequent use economically justifies the installation of photovoltaic batteries. This approach, known as Time of Use, makes it possible to make the most of lower tariffs to charge batteries, especially when a photovoltaic installation is available, and to use this energy at times of high tariffs. This strategy involves not only efficient energy management, but also smart economic management.
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Peak Saving →
Peak Saving is the ability of a generation asset to supply power when consumption demands more than contracted. Batteries thus become power injectors, especially useful for industries with insufficient contracted power for times of high demand. In such cases, photovoltaic batteries make it possible to cover peak demand cost-effectively by injecting power when needed.
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Location →
In places where grid connection conditions are weak or where conditions are technically or economically complex, such as in the case of electric filling stations, which require a lot of power for fast charging, but are often widely dispersed throughout the territory. In these cases, it is no longer a Peak Saving phenomenon but a need for constant and sustained power availability throughout the year.
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Network instability →
The integration of PV assets and storage systems strengthens electricity grids, especially in areas with greater complexity and branching. This is very characteristic in isolated territories, for example on islands. In this context, the functionality of the Back Up system becomes important, as it enables the batteries to act as independent generators during outages or micro-outages.
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Off-grid systems →
C&I storage technology is becoming more widespread in the off-grid market due to its grid generation capability. Its controllers allow for compatibility with generation systems such as diesel power plants, which facilitates hybridisation with photovoltaics and lithium storage, thus guaranteeing energy supply.
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Willingness to become own asset →
Renewable energies promote the idea of owning your own assets that make you independent from third parties, such as photovoltaic, wind or biomass systems. Similarly, C&I batteries become essential elements to manage our self-consumption. Although it is difficult to quantify this feature economically, in a context of geopolitical instability and economic and energy volatility, batteries can be key assets for energy management independence.
What kind of C&I Storage Solutions are there?
There are three types of C&I Accumulation solutions, each with different origins and characteristics.
The first are comprehensive solutions, i.e. complete solutions, with all the required elements supplied for Plug & Play. These are modular cabinet-type solutions derived from technology applied to the Utility Scale industry.
The second type are the non-comprehensive solutions, which require the installer to incorporate all the elements required for their operation, such as inverters, managers, etc. They also require an integrator, which makes them much more complicated both electrically and in terms of pre-sales and after-sales.
Finally, there are solutions derived from residential technology adapted for larger installations.
Before choosing, it is crucial to assess the needs of the project, considering warranty, sizing and, to a much lesser extent, price. It is very important to underline that, in such complex projects, price can never be a crucial variable. If you focus on price, making a mistake is unfortunately quite likely...
What are the phases of C&I Accumulation projects with Amara NZero?
As we mentioned, Amara NZero has designed an 8-step service through which we accompany our clients throughout the entire process, from the first steps of the project, in which we collect the project needs and make a first preliminary design, to the optimisation phase of the asset and the training of our clients for its correct configuration and amortisation.
1. Preliminary project information and analysis
In this first phase of the project we gather the needs of our clients and carry out an initial analysis, taking into account possible economic and energy results, possible solutions and technologies to be used and the incentive programmes and subsidies that our client could apply for.
2. Preparation of a pre-offer
Once all the needs of the project have been gathered, any possible questions that may arise are answered in order to be able to carry out a pre-dimensioning. In addition, an analysis is carried out of all the parameters that will determine the viability of the project, such as an initial indicative budget, possible delivery times, project financing methods, etc.
At this point, the feasibility of the project is validated with our clients. If validated, we initiate a process of accompaniment where the true value of the service is transmitted and demonstrated.
3. Basic technical analysis
Our technical team provides a general approach to the project and a general installation scheme. In addition, the project requirements are taken into account and the manufacturer is involved to accompany you throughout all phases of the project.
4. Formal Offer
Once the project has been proposed, a formal and binding offer is made. It contains all the terms of sale and is accompanied by the entire project report, such as technical data sheets, manuals and O&M docs, warranties and certificates.
5. Advanced technical analysis
Once the advanced technical phase has begun, a customised dimensioning is undertaken, taking into account all aspects of the installation, its context and other parameters that may be involved. This way, an engineering and technical design review is carried out.
6. Sale
Once the technical design and engineering phase has been confirmed, the sales order is placed. Once the offer has been signed, the various purchase orders are placed with all the manufacturers involved and work is done to be as efficient as possible with delivery times.
7. Installation
During installation, if required, both the manufacturers involved and Amara NZero provide on-site assistance. That is why Amara NZero's technical team is certified with most manufacturers of C&I Accumulation solutions. In addition, at the Marketing and Communication department of Amara NZero, we offer options to disseminate the project through our communication channels and, this way, our client can capitalise on the installation and use it as a lure to reinforce its brand, its reputation and even generate possible business opportunities.
8. After-sales
In addition to assistance during the commissioning of the equipment, Amara NZero offers advice and support to our customers once the solution is up and running. This way, we help you to analyse your performance and make the required adjustments to optimise your management and maximise your profitability.
As you have seen, C&I storage projects are a response to the energy needs of industry. For this reason, at Amara NZero we seek to offer comprehensive solutions and a complete service from the initial analysis phase through to after-sales.
Our approach focuses on understanding the specific needs of each project and providing tailored solutions, backed by a certified technical team and a commitment to excellence in customer service.
If you are considering implementing a C&I accumulation system, we invite you to learn more about our services and how we can help you optimise your project.
Visit our accumulation landing page to get more information and start your project with us!