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Are battery energy storage systems worth the investment?

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14 Apr, 2024

This post was originally published on Power Sonic

As the world transitions towards sustainable energy practices, the role of battery energy storage systems is becoming increasingly vital. These systems not only offer environmental benefits but also provide economic advantages for installers, distributors, and property owners. Let’s explore the value proposition of battery energy storage systems in each of these contexts.

FOR INSTALLERS:

The expansion of battery energy storage systems paves the way for innovation and market growth, offering installers a plethora of advantages, such as:

Diversification of Services: By incorporating battery energy storage installations into their services, installers can diversify their offerings. This not only expands their customer base but also positions them as versatile and capable providers in the renewable energy sector.

Increased Demand: The growing popularity of renewable energy and the desire for energy independence among homeowners has led to increased demand for battery energy storage systems. Installers who offer these services are likely to attract more customers and projects.

Alignment with Sustainability: Many homeowners installing energy storage systems are environmentally conscious and seek installers who share their values. By promoting clean energy solutions and reducing carbon footprints, installers can attract environmentally conscious customers and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Competitive Advantage: Offering battery energy storage installations gives installers a competitive edge in the market. It allows them to stand out from traditional electrical contractors and attract customers who prioritize energy efficiency and renewable technologies.

Adaptation to Market Trends: The renewable energy market is rapidly evolving, with battery energy storage playing a significant role. Installers who adapt to these market trends and offer cutting-edge solutions stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in a changing industry.

FOR DISTRIBUTORS:

Distributors

Distributors play a crucial role in bridging the gap between manufacturers and installers. For distributors looking to expand their product offerings and revenue streams, battery energy storage systems present a compelling opportunity. Here’s why distributors should consider investing in these systems:

Diversification of Product Offerings: Adding battery energy storage systems to their product catalog enables distributors to diversify their offerings. This diversification is particularly advantageous in a rapidly evolving market where sustainable energy solutions are gaining popularity.

Seize an Expanding Market Opportunity: The demand for battery energy storage systems is on the rise as more homeowners and businesses prioritize renewable energy and energy independence. Distributors can tap into this high-growth market segment and capitalize on the increasing interest in sustainable technologies.

Enhanced Revenue Streams: Offering energy storage solutions can create new revenue streams for distributors. These systems often come with higher price points compared to traditional electrical components, leading to increased profitability per sale.

Competitive Advantage: Embracing battery energy storage systems gives distributors a competitive edge in the market. Being among the first to offer innovative energy solutions can attract customers who are looking for reliable and cutting-edge products.

Adaptation to Regulatory Changes: Many regions are implementing regulations and incentives to promote renewable energy adoption, including battery energy storage. Distributors that adapt early to these regulatory changes can position themselves as leaders in compliance and industry standards.

FOR PROPERTY OWNERS:

Property Owners

Trusted and reliable battery energy storage systems offer a transformative opportunity across multiple fronts. For homeowners, they provide significant benefits, including:

Energy Independence: Property owners can store excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar panels and use it during times of high demand or grid outages. This reduces reliance on the grid and provides an uninterrupted power supply, enhancing resilience during emergencies.

Cost Savings: Battery energy storage allows property owners to take advantage of time-of-use pricing and peak demand shaving. They can store electricity during off-peak hours when rates are lower and use it during peak hours when rates are higher, reducing overall electricity costs.

Environmental Impact: Using battery energy storage in conjunction with renewable energy sources helps reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.

Grid Stability: Battery energy storage systems can contribute to grid stability by balancing supply and demand. They store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand, reducing strain on the grid and minimizing the risk of blackouts or disruptions.

Backup Power: During power outages, battery energy storage systems provide backup power, ensuring essential appliances and systems remain operational.

Increased Property Value: Installing battery energy storage can increase the resale value of a property. Energy-efficient features, including energy storage systems, are attractive to environmentally conscious buyers and can differentiate a property in the real estate market.

Flexibility and Control: Battery energy storage gives property owners greater control over their energy usage. They can monitor energy consumption, optimize usage patterns, and adjust settings to maximize efficiency and savings.

Are battery energy storage systems worth the investment?

The growing significance of battery energy storage systems in our transition towards sustainable energy practices cannot be overstated. These systems not only deliver substantial environmental benefits but also unlock economic advantages for installers, distributors, and property owners. From enhancing energy independence and resilience for property owners to fostering market growth and innovation for installers and distributors, battery energy storage systems are proving to be a wise investment. As we continue to prioritize clean energy solutions and adapt to regulatory changes, embracing these technologies opens up new avenues for efficiency, profitability, and environmental stewardship in the energy sector.

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From glass waste to energy-efficient bricks

From glass waste to energy-efficient bricks

RMIT University engineers have created a new type of energy-efficient brick from scrap materials.

In collaboration with Australian recycling company Visy, the engineers used a minimum of 15% waste glass and 20% combusted solid waste (ash) as substitutes for clay in their bricks.

Team leader Associate Professor Dilan Robert said about 1.4 trillion bricks were used in construction projects globally every year.

“Business-as-usual brick production produces harmful emissions — including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and chlorine — and puts a serious strain on our natural resources, particularly clay,” said Robert, from RMIT’s School of Engineering.

Replacing clay with waste materials in the production of the new bricks helped reduce the firing temperature by up to 20% compared with standard brick mixtures, offering potential cost savings to manufacturers.

Team leader Associate Professor Dilan Robert (third from left) with the RMIT research team behind the energy-smart bricks in a lab at RMIT University. Credit: Seamus Daniel, RMIT University.

Importantly, test results indicated that using these bricks in the construction of a single-storey building could reduce household energy bills by up to 5% compared to regular bricks, due to improved insulation.

In addition to their energy efficiency benefits, the new bricks comply with stringent structural, durability and environmental sustainability standards, with the technology meeting the key compliance requirement of fired clay bricks set by Standards Australia (AS 3700).

“Bricks play a key role in preventing energy loss from buildings,” Robert said.

“We can also produce lightweight bricks in a range of colours from white to dark red by changing our formulations.”

Dr Biplob Pramanik, the RMIT team’s environmental engineer, said the new bricks were safe to use in construction projects.

“Our bricks, manufactured from industry waste, meet state environmental regulations,” he said.

Waste glass that the team can use in their energy-smart bricks. Credit: Seamus Daniel, RMIT University.

In Victoria, Visy recycles glass packaging back into new bottles and jars. The new bricks provide a solution for the use of fines — pieces of glass smaller than 3 mm — which cannot be recycled into bottles.

Paul Andrich, Innovation Project Manager at Visy, said the company was thrilled to find a solution for material that cannot be recycled into food and beverage packaging.

“Diverting this waste into bricks with added insulation, rather than landfill, is another way we are powering the circular economy,” he said.

The researchers now plan to expand the use of their technology.

“We are focusing on scaling up the production process to facilitate the commercialisation of our innovative bricks in collaboration with brick manufacturers in Melbourne,” Robert said.

The team is also looking to collaborate with industry to explore applications of waste material in other construction products.

Their latest research has been published in the international journal Construction and Building Materials.

Top image caption: The team’s energy-smart bricks in a range of colours. Credit: Seamus Daniel, RMIT University.

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