Photo: Infinite Energy Storage
Battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions, when coupled with solar energy, offer a range of benefits to the agriculture sector that stretch beyond managing the challenges posed by power outages.
Top seven key benefits:
1. Energy cost savings. BESS solutions allow farmers and agro-processors to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during peak demand periods, when electricity prices are higher. This reduces reliance on the grid, leading to significant savings on energy bills.
2. Time-of-use arbitrage. Even in the absence of solar energy, by storing grid electricity when prices are low (typically during off-peak hours) and using it during high-demand periods, BESS solutions allow for more predictable and manageable energy costs.
3. Enhanced energy security for sustained product quality. BESS solutions ensure a reliable power supply, protecting sensitive agricultural processes like irrigation, refrigeration and processing from disruptions. By relying on stored solar energy, agricultural operations become less dependent on an often-unreliable grid, especially in remote or off-grid areas.
4. Overcoming grid capacity challenges. When the grid is already operating at or near full capacity, it cannot accommodate the additional power generation from new solar systems and clients may face difficulties in connecting new solar installations to the grid.
With smartly engineered solutions, you can have a reliable and independent power supply, even when the grid cannot accept new generation capacity.
5. Operational flexibility and efficiency. Solar energy production doesn’t always align with energy demand, especially where activities like irrigation or processing are required in the early morning or evening. BESS solutions allow the solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used when needed.
6. Enhanced price competitiveness. By lowering and stabilising energy costs, you can reduce your overall production costs over the long term, making you more competitive on local and international markets.
7. Sustainability. Given the increasing importance of sustainability in agriculture, integrating solar with BESS solutions supports the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
This reduces carbon footprints and aligns with global trends, export requirements and consumer demands for greener production methods. As regulations around carbon emissions and energy efficiency are developed, having a robust energy strategy can help agricultural businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements.
Choosing your power partner
Choosing the right partner for your energy journey is vital, ensuring the long-term success of your operations for generations to come.
RenEnergy has 12 years of proven experience in engineering energy solutions for the agriculture sector. Speak to an expert energy consultant about how your business can benefit from energy storage.
Email [email protected], phone 021 851 0685, or visit renenergy.co.za.
