Manufacturing Facility BESS Feasibility
A sample study showing, step by step, how the technical and financial viability of a storage investment is assessed — using a mid-size manufacturing facility profile. All figures are representative and marked as a sample scenario.
Context and facility profile
A mid-size manufacturing facility profile: roughly 12 GWh annual consumption, 2.5 MW peak demand, and 1 MWp existing solar PV (sample values). The facility exports solar surplus around midday on weekends and during shutdown periods, while peak load concentrates in the morning and evening bands.
Question
Do the existing solar surplus and peak load make a storage investment technically and financially meaningful?
Approach
The study was built on 12 months of 15-minute data from the facility. The data was first validated (missing/inconsistent records flagged), then tariff components were broken down.
Data inputs
- 12 months of 15-minute consumption data (validated)
- Solar generation and surplus (15-minute resolution)
- Tariff components: energy, distribution, and demand charge
- Battery technical assumptions: power/capacity, efficiency, annual degradation
Analysis Screen — Scenario Comparison
Sample Study
24-hour load profile — baseline and with BESS (sample day)
← Swipe sideways to see the full chart →
| Scenario | Power / Capacity | Peak impact | Preliminary payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak shaving | 1.0–1.5 MW / 2–3 MWh | 2.5 → ~1.9 MW | 6–8 years |
| Arbitrage | 1.5–2.0 MW / 3–4 MWh | limited | 7–9 years |
| Hybrid (peak + arbitrage) | 1.5–2.0 MW / 3–4 MWh | 2.5 → ~1.9 MW | 4–6 years |
Scenario: Peak shaving
- Power / Capacity
- 1.0–1.5 MW / 2–3 MWh
- Peak impact
- 2.5 → ~1.9 MW
- Preliminary payback
- 6–8 years
Scenario: Arbitrage
- Power / Capacity
- 1.5–2.0 MW / 3–4 MWh
- Peak impact
- limited
- Preliminary payback
- 7–9 years
Scenario: Hybrid (peak + arbitrage)
- Power / Capacity
- 1.5–2.0 MW / 3–4 MWh
- Peak impact
- 2.5 → ~1.9 MW
- Preliminary payback
- 4–6 years
All values are a representative sample scenario, not real customer data. Preliminary payback is given as a range, not a firm investment decision or guarantee.
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity of the preliminary payback to key variables, relative to the base case in the hybrid scenario. The wider the bar, the more that variable drives the result — it is the one most worth clarifying before an investment decision.
Outcome
In the hybrid operating scenario, a preliminary payback of 4–6 years was calculated; peak shaving alone reduced the demand charge but did not make the payback meaningful on its own. The sensitivity analysis showed the result depends most on the tariff/market price projection.
Variables to clarify before a decision
- Tariff and market price projection — the variable with the largest effect on payback
- Solar expansion plan — changes the surplus volume and the value of storage
Assumptions and limits
- Results depend on the sample facility profile and the default tariff scenario; a different load profile changes the result.
- Preliminary payback is expressed as a range depending on data and scenario, not a single number.
- Battery price and degradation assumptions must be updated to market conditions.
- The study is a feasibility assessment, not an investment decision, guarantee, or firm savings commitment.
Delivered documents
- Executive summary
- Scenario comparison: sizing, peak demand, preliminary payback
- Sensitivity analysis
- Assumptions and limitations
- Document control record (prepared by / checked by / approved by, revision)
This list shows the document set of the sample study. In a real delivery the scope is set by the written statement of work; every document carries a prepared-by, checked-by and approved-by record and a revision number.
Related
An assessment for your own facility
Request a technical pre-assessment for a similar feasibility review using your own consumption and generation data.
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