Reducing Energy Costs for a Commercial Warehouse and Showroom in England

Introduction

This case study focuses on a commercial warehouse and showroom in England aiming to reduce future electricity costs and optimise energy consumption. With growing concerns about rising energy prices and a commitment to sustainable operations, the client sought to integrate renewable energy solutions into their building infrastructure. The goal was to harness solar energy to power daily operations, reduce grid dependency, and provide real-time monitoring and management of energy usage.

Client's Requirements

The client’s objectives were clear:

• Cost Reduction: The primary goal was to significantly reduce future electricity costs by leveraging renewable energy sources.
• Energy Efficiency: The building had high energy consumption due to its dual use as a warehouse and showroom, and the client needed a system that could meet these demands.
• Sustainability: The client wanted to harness solar energy to ensure that their daily operations were sustainable, aligning with broader goals of reducing environmental impact.
• Energy Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and management of energy usage were essential to optimise energy consumption and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

Challenges: High Energy Consumption

The multipurpose nature of the building posed significant challenges. As both a warehouse and showroom, energy demand fluctuated based on operational hours and customer footfall. Peak hours required a consistent and reliable power supply, making energy efficiency critical. Additionally, the building's design limited available space for large-scale energy systems, necessitating a compact yet powerful solution.

The Solution: EQONIC Solar PV, Battery, and Inverter System

EQONIC proposed a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the client’s specific needs. After a detailed assessment of the building’s energy consumption patterns, available rooftop space, and grid connection, the following system was recommended:

1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

The PV system consisted of 78 x 380W monocrystalline panels, designed to maximise solar energy capture within the available roof space. The total system size of 29.64 kWp ensured that a significant portion of the building’s energy demand could be met through solar generation, reducing reliance on grid electricity.

2. Hybrid Inverters

To manage the energy produced by the solar panels and integrate it into the building’s power system, 3 x EQONIC 8kW single-phase hybrid inverters were installed. These inverters allowed the seamless integration of solar energy with the building’s existing power infrastructure, ensuring efficient energy flow and management.

3. Battery Storage

To further optimise energy usage, an EQONIC 43kWh high-voltage battery was installed. The battery was programmed to charge at night when electricity tariffs were lower, storing energy for use during the day when electricity demand and prices were higher. This strategic use of battery storage not only reduced operational costs but also smoothed out energy consumption peaks during busy periods.

Energy Management and Real-Time Monitoring

One of the key components of the solution was the real-time monitoring and management system provided by EQONIC. This system allowed the client to track energy generation, consumption, and storage in real-time. By providing detailed insights into how energy was being used throughout the day, the client could make informed decisions to optimise energy usage and further reduce costs.

Financial Investment and ROI

The total cost of the installation was carefully considered to ensure a strong return on investment. While the upfront cost of the system represented a significant investment, the long-term financial benefits far outweighed the initial expenditure.

Projected Cost Savings

The solar PV system was expected to generate over 22,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. This would result in a 70-80% reduction in grid energy consumption, leading to substantial savings on electricity bills. Additionally, the integration of the battery storage system allowed the client to take advantage of off-peak tariffs, further reducing energy costs.

Environmental Impact

In addition to the financial benefits, the project had a substantial positive impact on the environment. By shifting to renewable energy, the client would reduce their carbon emissions by over 5,000 kgCO2 per year. This reduction not only supported the client’s sustainability goals but also contributed to broader efforts to combat climate change by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Results and Long-Term Benefits

The implementation of EQONIC’s solar PV, battery, and inverter system delivered impressive results. The key outcomes of the project included:

• Over 22,000 kWh of annual energy generation, covering a substantial portion of the building’s energy needs.
• A reduction of more than 5,000 kgCO2 per year in carbon emissions, supporting the client’s environmental objectives.
• A 70-80% reduction in grid energy consumption, significantly lowering the client’s dependence on traditional energy sources and resulting in long-term financial savings.

Over the expected 25-year lifespan of the solar PV system, these benefits would continue to accrue, providing both financial and environmental value to the client.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the effectiveness of integrating solar PV, battery storage, and advanced energy management systems in reducing operational costs and carbon emissions for commercial buildings. The warehouse and showroom in this project successfully reduced their reliance on grid electricity, optimised energy usage, and contributed to a more sustainable future. EQONIC’s tailored solution demonstrates how renewable energy can be leveraged to meet the energy demands of multipurpose commercial buildings while supporting long-term sustainability goals.