Optimizing Energy Use for an SME with LiFePo4 Battery Storage and a 250 kW Solar PV System

Battery Storage Case Studies

Overview – LiFePO4 battery storage A small enterprise with high energy demand sought to improve its energy efficiency by integrating a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery storage system with its 250 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installation. The company’s average instantaneous consumption was approximately 500 kWh, requiring a comprehensive energy solution to reduce grid dependency, lower operational costs, and ensure continuous power supply….

Overview – LiFePO4 battery storage

A small enterprise with high energy demand sought to improve its energy efficiency by integrating a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery storage system with its 250 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installation.

The company’s average instantaneous consumption was approximately 500 kWh, requiring a comprehensive energy solution to reduce grid dependency, lower operational costs, and ensure continuous power supply.

Challenges

  1. Energy Deficit: The solar PV system alone could not consistently cover the 500 kWh demand.
  2. Grid Dependency and Cost: The company faced high electricity expenses due to consumption during peak hours.
  3. Solar Intermittency: PV generation fluctuated depending on weather and daylight conditions.
  4. Power Reliability: A backup power source was needed to maintain uninterrupted operations.
  5. Sustainability Goals: Reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use were key priorities.

Solution: LiFePo4 Battery Storage System Sizing

To ensure optimal performance, the following parameters were considered:

  • Energy Storage Needs: A minimum 250 kWh battery array was required to complement solar PV generation.
  • Autonomy and Resilience: A 500 kWh LiFePo4 system was recommended to provide at least one hour of full-load operation or several hours under partial load.
  • Depth of Discharge (DoD) and Efficiency: With a DoD of 80–90 %, the usable capacity was aligned with the site’s load profile.
  • Modular Expansion: The system was designed for scalability to meet future energy demand growth.

Benefits of LiFePo4 Battery Storage Integration

1. Cost Reduction

  • Decreased peak-demand charges through strategic battery discharge.
  • Maximized solar self-consumption, reducing grid imports.

2. Energy Independence and Reliability

  • Provided backup power to ensure business continuity.
  • Minimized exposure to grid fluctuations and outages.

3. Cost-Based Energy Management

  • The battery charged from PV during low-cost periods and discharged during high-tariff periods, prioritizing solar energy over grid electricity.
  • Improved operational efficiency through smart energy use.

4. Peak Shaving and Load Balancing

  • Reduced grid consumption during demand peaks.
  • Smoothed load distribution, lowering infrastructure strain and demand-related costs.

5. Efficiency and Longevity

  • High round-trip efficiency (up to 95 %) compared with conventional battery technologies.
  • Extended service life (10–15 years) with minimal maintenance requirements.

6. Environmental Impact

  • Increased use of renewable energy, lowering carbon emissions.
  • Supported corporate sustainability goals and environmental certifications.

7. Flexibility and Scalability

  • Modular design allows system expansion as energy needs grow.
  • Integration with an Energy Management System (EMS) for intelligent power control and distribution.
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Conclusion

By integrating a properly sized LiFePo4 battery storage system with its 250 kW PV array, the small enterprise significantly reduced energy costs, improved reliability, and enhanced sustainability.

This case study demonstrates how battery storage solutions can optimize electricity use, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for commercial operations.

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