Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores electrical energy and makes it available flexibly, for example to reduce costs, increase self-consumption, or participate in the electricity market.
How it works
A BESS consists of several components:
- Battery modules (mostly lithium-ion): store electricity as direct current (DC)
- Battery management system (BMS): monitors charge level, temperature, and safety
- Energy management system (EMS): controls when electricity is stored or discharged
- Inverter: converts direct current into grid-compatible alternating current (AC)
- Cooling system and enclosure: ensure stable operating conditions
The system operates automatically and adapts to grid conditions and consumption patterns, either locally (Behind-the-Meter) or grid-side (Front-of-the-Meter).
Typical applications
- Peak shaving: reducing grid charges
- Self-consumption optimization: temporarily storing PV electricity
- Energy trading: participating in day-ahead and intraday markets
- Ancillary services: stabilizing the grid by providing primary or secondary reserve
- Backup power supply: providing electricity in the event of grid outages
- Dynamic electricity tariffs: storing electricity when prices are low and using it when prices are high
Key figures and influencing factors
- Capacity: e.g. 250 kWh — how much energy can be stored
- Power: e.g. 250 kW — how much power can be delivered at the same time
- Efficiency: usually 85–95%, depending on technology and application
- Service life: approx. 5,000–10,000 cycles, depending on usage and depth of discharge
Summary
BESS are central components of flexible and cost-efficient energy management. They help companies reduce electricity costs, lower grid charges, and unlock additional revenue streams, for example through participation in the electricity market or the provision of grid-related services.
With Co-Power
BESS are a core part of our offering:
- BESS 1 (Behind-the-Meter): reduces grid charges, increases self-consumption, and optimizes electricity costs
- BESS 2 (Front-of-the-Meter): generates revenue through energy trading and balancing services
Our customers benefit from a fully managed model with no upfront investment, including financing, technology, operation, billing, and performance optimization.
