Does My Business Need Solar, a Battery, or Both? | Jousto
With rising electricity costs and a growing focus on sustainability, many Australian businesses are considering solar power and battery storage as a way to cut energy expenses and reduce reliance on the grid. But how do you know if your business needs solar, battery storage, or both?
Investing in renewable energy is a long-term financial decision, and choosing the right solution depends on factors like your energy usage, operating hours, and cost-saving goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to determine whether solar panels, battery storage, or a combination of both is the right choice for your business. We’ll also explain how Jousto can help your business make an informed decision.
Why Should Businesses Consider Solar or Battery Storage?
Businesses face rising electricity prices, unpredictable grid supply, and increasing pressure to adopt sustainable energy solutions. By investing in solar power and battery storage, businesses can:
Reduce electricity bills by generating and storing their own power
Gain energy independence from the grid and avoid blackouts
Enhance sustainability efforts by lowering carbon emissions
Improve business resilience with reliable backup power
However, not all businesses need both solar panels and battery storage. Some will benefit more from solar alone, while others require battery storage to maximise energy savings.
Does My Business Need Solar Panels?
Signs That Solar Power Is Right for Your Business
Solar panels are an excellent investment if your business:
Operates during daylight hours and consumes most energy when the sun is shining
Has high electricity bills and wants to cut costs
Has available roof space for installing solar panels
Wants to improve sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint
How Solar Power Works for Businesses
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which is used to power your business in real-time. Any excess energy can either be:
Exported to the grid for a credit (feed-in tariff)
Stored in a battery for later use (if you have a battery system)
Business Types That Benefit Most from Solar Panels
Some industries are particularly well-suited to solar power because they consume most of their energy during the day. These include:
Retail stores & shopping centres – Constant lighting and cooling needs
Manufacturing plants – Heavy machinery operating during daylight hours
Warehouses & logistics centres – High daytime electricity usage
Cafés & restaurants – Refrigeration, lighting, and cooking equipment
Office buildings – Computers, air conditioning, and lighting during business hours
Financial Benefits of Solar for Businesses
Switching to solar can lead to significant cost savings, including:
Lower electricity bills – Reduce reliance on expensive grid power
Government incentives – Access to rebates and tax benefits for solar installations
Faster ROI (Return on Investment) – Most businesses see a payback period of 3–5 years
When Solar Alone May Not Be Enough
While solar panels provide immediate savings, they are less effective if your business operates outside of daylight hours or has high energy demand at night. In these cases, a battery storage system may be necessary.
Does My Business Need a Battery?
Signs That Battery Storage Is Right for Your Business
Battery storage is a great investment if your business:
Uses a lot of power at night or outside of daylight hours
Wants to avoid peak electricity rates by using stored energy
Needs backup power to protect against blackouts and grid failures
Has excess solar energy that is going to waste or being sold at low feed-in tariffs
How Battery Storage Works for Businesses
A battery storage system allows your business to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during peak demand periods. This can:
Reduce reliance on the grid, especially when electricity prices are highest
Provide backup power during outages
Maximise solar energy usage, increasing cost savings
Business Types That Benefit Most from Battery Storage
Battery storage is particularly useful for businesses that operate outside of daylight hours or require uninterrupted power supply, such as:
Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, and cafés) – Evening energy usage and refrigeration needs
Medical clinics & hospitals – Essential power supply for life-saving equipment
Manufacturing & industrial businesses – Operations that run overnight
Cold storage & food processing – 24/7 refrigeration and cooling
Farms & agribusiness – Energy needs for irrigation, storage, and equipment
Financial Benefits of Battery Storage
Adding a battery to your solar system can provide:
Lower peak electricity costs – Use stored power instead of paying high grid rates
Energy security – Protect your business from blackouts and grid failures
Greater solar savings – Maximise the value of your solar investment
However, batteries require a higher upfront investment compared to solar panels alone. Jousto can help you determine if the long-term savings outweigh the costs for your business.
Should My Business Get Both Solar & Battery Storage?
Some businesses will benefit from a combination of solar panels and battery storage. This is ideal if your business:
Has high energy usage day and night
Needs backup power to protect against outages
Wants to be fully energy independent from the grid
A combined system allows your business to:
Generate solar power during the day
Store excess energy in the battery
Use stored power at night or during peak demand times
This approach maximises cost savings, increases energy security, and enhances sustainability.
How Jousto Can Help Your Business Decide
Choosing the right energy solution for your business requires expert analysis of your:
Current energy usage
Operating hours
Electricity costs
Available roof space for solar installation
Jousto provides professional energy audits and custom recommendations to help businesses determine the best solution.
How the Process Works
Energy Audit & Consultation – Jousto’s experts assess your energy usage, peak demand, and business needs.
Solar vs. Battery Analysis – Jousto determines whether your business needs solar, battery storage, or both.
Customised Recommendations – You receive a tailored energy solution designed to maximise savings.
Seamless Installation – Jousto ensures a smooth installation process with high-quality solar and battery systems.
Conclusion
Investing in solar power and battery storage can help businesses cut energy costs, reduce grid dependence, and improve sustainability. However, whether your business needs solar panels, battery storage, or both depends on your energy consumption patterns and financial goals.
Jousto’s expert team can help you make the right choice and ensure your business gets the maximum return on investment.
🔹 Ready to explore solar and battery storage for your business? Contact Jousto today for a professional energy assessment and tailored recommendations.
