3 Questions to Ask Before Sizing a Commercial Energy Storage System

Before selecting a commercial energy storage system, start with three questions, not just battery capacity. First: what does the site's load profile look like? Interval load data shows how high the peaks are, when they occur, and how long they last.
Second: how is the site charged for electricity? Time-of-use tariffs and demand charges affect the value of storage. They also help determine whether the system needs more power in kW to reduce a short peak, or more energy in kWh to shift electricity over a longer period.
Third: what is the operational goal? Peak shaving, solar self-consumption, and backup power require different control strategies and reserve levels. A well-sized system starts with measured load data, the tariff structure, and a clear operating goal.