Solar panels and power grid, showing cable towers

Battery Energy Storage Solutions

The Changing Landscape of the National Electricity Market (NEM)

As Australia moves toward a sustainable energy future, solar power has become a vital solution in addressing climate change. However, its increasing use also presents challenges for grid stability. Because solar energy is intermittent, fluctuations in generation can impact both grid frequency and voltage.

Business Access to the Wholesale Electricity Market

Maintaining grid stability requires advanced strategies and technologies to manage the effects of variable solar output. Energy storage systems are a key solution, allowing surplus solar power to be stored and dispatched during periods of low generation. This helps balance frequency and voltage while offering businesses financial incentives that can result in rapid returns.

Transformer Capacity and Access Limitations

Not all businesses can immediately access the wholesale electricity market. Approval depends on transformer capacity, which is assessed by your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) during the application process. Availability is also influenced by existing solar and battery connections in your area, often operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boosting Revenue with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

BESS technology enables businesses to unlock multiple revenue streams in the Australian energy market:

  • Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) – The market operator compensates participants who help stabilise system frequency around 50Hz during events such as generator trips or network faults. Services are categorised as Fast (6 seconds), Slow (60 seconds), and Delayed (5 minutes).

  • Peak Demand Reduction – Batteries can be programmed to release stored energy during demand spikes, reducing costly peak demand charges and improving energy efficiency.

  • Energy Arbitrage – Batteries charge during periods of low or negative wholesale electricity prices and discharge when prices are high, generating significant profit potential.

Battery storage is now the leading contributor to the FCAS market, accounting for over half of the services provided to the grid in Q2 2024, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator.

Peak Demand Reduction in Action

Businesses with consistent or variable energy use patterns can save substantially by managing peak demand. For example, a company spending $312,000 annually on electricity with a maximum demand of 1,200 kVA — but using only part of that capacity — could save up to $115,000 per year by using a battery to reduce demand spikes.

Maximising Value Through Aggregators

Sun Grid works with leading market aggregators to ensure clients achieve:

  • The lowest project setup costs
  • The most competitive ongoing participant fees
  • The highest possible revenue share

We assess aggregator options based on setup costs, ongoing charges, revenue share percentages, and proven market success, ensuring you make informed decisions. Our support continues beyond installation, with regular reviews to keep your project optimised for changing market conditions.

Tailored Energy Storage Solutions

Our BESS offerings are designed to meet the specific needs of each business. Managed by advanced optimisation software incorporating machine learning and AI, our systems deliver superior performance, maximum savings, and expanded revenue opportunities.

One example, the ZILO 233A AC Rated, is a liquid-cooled, all-in-one commercial and industrial energy storage system. It integrates an energy storage converter, battery, battery management system, energy management system, thermal management, power distribution, and fire protection. Its modular design allows multiple units to be connected in parallel for expanded capacity.

Key Specifications
  • Rated Capacity: 233kWh

  • Max Output Power: 110kW

  • Cell Specification: 3.2V 280Ah

  • Battery Type: LFP (CATL)

  • Ingress Protection: IP55

  • Cooling: Liquid cooling for both power conversion and battery systems

Take control of your commercial energy needs

Download our Capability Statement to explore our company expertise, capabilities, and projects. Discover how Sun Grid delivers tailored renewable energy solutions — from large-scale solar installations to advanced battery storage systems — to help businesses take control of their energy future.

Request a Feasibility Report