The power of battery storage

Energy storage in a battery: an innovative new energy system. To supply the power grid with even smarter sustainable power, Novar is developing energy storage, via a battery. With battery energy storage systems (BESS), you store energy for later. When generation is low, you can use this energy or feed it back. As one of the largest developers of battery storage, we would like to take you into the world of battery storage.

Types of batteries for solar panels

There are different types of batteries for this method of energy storage. Battery storage for solar energy has not been around very long. As a result, there is not yet one type of battery that is most commonly used. Some of the most common types of batteries include lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and newer technologies such as solid-state or flow batteries.

Battery from Novar

At Novar, we work with the so-called lithium iron phosphate batteries. These are batteries with a higher ignition temperature. Using this battery - for example at your solar farm or roof has a number of advantages. The lifespan is longer (which is better for the environment) and a lithium iron phosphate battery requires little to no maintenance. The main reason we work with this battery for energy storage? It is because it is extremely safe. In addition, compared to other batteries, this battery has better discharge and higher charge efficiency. Because we understand that of course you want to get the best return from your solar farm or roof.

Battery storage developers

Novar provides battery storage management and project management. Various developers and cooperation partners are also involved in battery installation. For the connection of the first battery at Zonnepark Bontepolder in Terneuzen, we worked with Alfen. Of course, we only work with partners who have the appropriate experience and technical knowledge, so that you can work with us to generate and feed your energy as smartly as possible.

Battery performance

We work with lithium iron phosphate batteries because in addition to being tremendously safe, they are also the batteries with the best performance. Many other batteries contain only 60% of their original power after 300 to 500 charges. Lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged more than 10,000 times and retain 80% of their original capacity. A top value in the industry, allowing us to best balance supply and demand of renewable energy.  

Battery life from Novar

On average, these batteries last about five times longer than other batteries. So the lifespan of the energy storage batteries used by Novar is long when compared to other batteries. The advantage: the battery does not have to be replaced within a few years, which means fewer raw materials which in turn is better for the environment as well as your wallet.

Battery capacity

In combination with a solar energy system, the capacity of a battery varies. We connected one of the largest batteries at that time in Terneuzen in January 2023. This battery has a capacity of 5 megawatts and a storage capacity of 5 megawatt hours. The battery capacity depends on the solar farm and the desired storage capacity. We always calculate with the owner of the solar park or roof what capacity is needed and what gives the best return for you.

Battery Installation

Battery installation often requires a permit. Because there are not very many batteries being deployed on a large scale yet, the lead time is still long. You also have to deal with different types of regulations. Novar manages and regulates all permit(s) and is aware of existing regulations. This is how we guide you to a working battery. You have nothing to worry about.  

Regulations and policies

There are different regulations for installing a battery. We are well aware of these and ensure that we meet the requirements set in your area. A permit is also required from the municipality. We take care of this completely. So that you can continue to focus on your core business.

How do we deploy batteries?

By installing a battery, you are contributing to tomorrow's energy solution. A battery can be used in many ways. For example, in a solar park, a solar roof or a solar carport. But also on its own to combat grid problems or with another sustainable energy source.

We use batteries primarily to better match supply and demand. Because on sunny days, for example, solar panels generate more energy than demanded. By storing the generated energy in a battery on these cheap moments, you can use it later on less sunny days. In this way, you avoid high (and often expensive) energy consumption on days when the solar panels produce less.

"By installing the battery, we can support the power system in several ways. The battery can reduce losses of generated electricity, compensate for deviations between predicted and actual electricity generation at the national level, or contribute locally to solve grid congestion," says Gerke Schaap | Project Manager Storage, Novar.

Battery deployment is often a very nice coupling opportunity in renewable projects. The link between the power grid, the battery and the solar farm creates a more stable electricity grid. The battery limits the loss of generated electricity; energy that would otherwise have been lost is stored. Smart!

Future battery

We expect to install many batteries in the future to make smarter use of the electricity grid. It's an innovation and smart solution that we would like to deploy at as many parks and rooftops as possible. By being smart with our power grid, we can generate as much green energy as possible. Now and in the future.