Make use of surplus solar
When solar generation exceeds site demand, the battery can absorb some of the surplus if it has room to charge. The stored energy can then be used when site demand rises or solar output drops.
UK industrial estate · deployment example
2.1 MWh battery storage for export-limited solar
A UK industrial estate combined an existing solar installation with a new 2.1 MWh battery under an export limitation scheme. The EMS coordinates battery dispatch within the site's agreed distribution network operator (DNO) export cap. The battery's energy capacity is public. The site's export limit and measured financial results are undisclosed.
How the battery fits into the site
Dispatch within the export cap
Battery discharge and solar generation share the same grid connection. The EMS must account for both alongside site demand when scheduling battery discharge.
Preserve flexibility where the site allows it
Any flexibility dispatch needs to fit within the battery's available capacity and the site's export headroom. The same capacity cannot be reserved for two services at the same time.
How to measure performance on a similar site
- Review metered export and any limit excursions at the grid connection.
- Compare on-site use of solar before and after the battery, accounting for changes in load and generation.
- Calculate import cost and flexibility revenue over a defined period, including charging costs and losses.
How to calculate export headroom before dispatch
These illustrative numbers explain the control logic. The estate's meter readings and settings are undisclosed.
- Suppose solar is generating 180 kW, the estate is using 120 kW, and the export cap is 100 kW. Before battery dispatch, the site is exporting 60 kW.
- That leaves 40 kW of export headroom. If generation and load stay at those levels, discharging above 40 kW would exceed the cap. The battery's own power and charge limits still apply.
- If site demand drops by 30 kW while solar stays at 180 kW, the headroom drops to 10 kW. A dispatch schedule needs to reflect changing conditions at the grid meter.
Frequently asked questions
- Does adding a battery increase the site's permitted export?
- The agreed connection limit still applies. A battery can shift when energy is used or exported, and the dispatch plan needs to respect the site's existing export cap.
Discuss an export-limited site
Share your generation capacity, site load, battery details and agreed export limit so we can discuss how dispatch would work at your site.
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