Sizing comes down to two numbers: power in kW, which is how fast the battery can deliver, and capacity in kWh, which is how much it holds. We read your interval data to see your demand peaks and daily usage shape, then match both to your goal, whether that is shaving demand charges or shifting load across tariff periods. Oversizing wastes money, so we size to the data.
In most cases, yes. We AC-couple the battery alongside your current solar so the panels and inverters stay in service, which usually suits an existing install. We check your switchboard, inverter and available space first. If the system is older or export-limited, we explain what the battery will realistically add before recommending it.
Only if it is configured for backup and sized for the loads you want to hold. Many commercial batteries are set up for grid support and bill savings rather than whole-site backup, so they won’t automatically run everything in an outage. We can design backup for nominated circuits, but it is a deliberate choice that affects sizing and cost.
Commercial lithium installations must meet AS/NZS 5139 for battery siting, ventilation, clearances, separation and fire safety, alongside AS/NZS 5033 and 3000 for the electrical work. Where the battery sits, indoors or outdoors, and how it is enclosed all affect compliance, especially given Perth’s summer heat. We assess these early and carry out installation with appropriately licensed people so the system is signed off correctly.
The main drivers are capacity (kWh), power (kW), how the system couples to your solar, backup requirements and any switchboard or siting work the site needs. Compliance and network approvals can also factor in. We assess your site and usage, then provide a written quote, so you see the scope and pricing before committing. We don’t quote a figure without seeing the data.
Many WA commercial tariffs bill you on your highest power draw in a period, not just total energy. A battery discharges during those peaks so the grid sees a lower demand, which reduces the capacity charge. It works best where your spikes are sharp and predictable. We model your data to confirm the saving is real before designing the system.
