Battery storage is gaining traction in Canada’s property management sector as a way to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals. Ontario, in particular, is seeing an uptick in this technology as more businesses and property owners seek ways to optimize energy use while incorporating cleaner solutions.
“It’s a rapidly evolving technology,” says Francesco Agueci, Project Principal, Electrical Service Area Lead at Pretium Engineering. “Whether it’s mixed-use residential, commercial, or any type of large building, owners and facility managers are seeing the value of investing in these clean energy systems.”
Simply put, battery storage captures and saves electricity for later use. The compact, modular units vary in size based on capacity and are usually located outdoors or in basements. Using lithium-ion batteries, like those in smartphones and electric vehicles, they charge from the grid or renewable sources like solar and wind. During high demand or outages, the battery converts stored energy back to electricity, supplying it to the grid or directly to a building.
“Similar to solar technology, which has grown in popularity over the past decade as costs have come down, battery storage is becoming more feasible, leading to higher adoption rates in Canada,” Agueci says. “I foresee a time in the not-so-distant future when all new buildings are designed with battery storage in mind.”
Surplus & Stability
While clean energy investment has been a priority of the commercial real estate sector for many years, not all renewable energy sources come without hurdles—availability being the primary challenge. As Agueci points out: “Solar requires sunlight, and wind depends on wind conditions. Hydro is fairly consistent, but other renewables can fluctuate. This affects electricity grid stability—and because of these fluctuations, you will see big spikes and sags, which isn’t good for a stable grid. Batteries can quickly react and absorb a lot of that inconsistency, keeping your power stable.”
According to Agueci, here are the Top 3 reasons to invest in battery storage:
- Environmental Benefits – Battery storage promotes sustainability and supports the integration of renewable energy. These systems store surplus energy generated by sources such as solar and wind power, enabling buildings to use clean energy even during periods of low production.
- Building Resilience – Battery storage contributes to grid independence and stability by regulating voltage and frequency. This reduces reliance on the traditional power grid and improves resilience, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during grid failures due to heat waves and other outside forces.
- Energy & Cost Savings – Battery systems enable buildings to store electricity when rates are low and use it when prices increase, which can help reduce overall energy costs. They also allow buildings to lower peak electricity demand, potentially avoiding higher utility charges and enhancing energy efficiency.
“For building owners, having a decentralized solution that’s within your control is an attractive investment, especially when it’s paired with other clean energy sources, like wind and solar,” Agueci says. “The excess generation can be stored for later use within the building or even sold to offset the installation costs.”
Planning & Design
Battery storage systems offer significant value to both new and existing buildings, but the benefits and challenges do differ.
For new buildings, integrating battery storage from the onset allows for seamless incorporation into the design. Architects and engineers can tailor the system to the building’s needs to better optimize energy efficiency and ensure compatibility with other renewable energy sources. Incorporating energy storage at the beginning of a project makes it easy to participate in demand response programs and maximize cost savings.
For existing buildings, retrofitting battery storage can still provide substantial benefits and reduce reliance on the grid. However, challenges like space constraints, compatibility with existing electrical systems, and upfront costs may require some additional planning. Despite these hurdles, many commercial and industrial buildings are adopting battery storage to improve energy resilience and lower their operational expenses
“At Pretium, we’ll start with a feasibility study to look at the cost scenarios, before developing a solution that meets your specific power requirements and operational challenges,” Agueci says. “Our engineering team combines advanced technical expertise with innovative design methodologies to ensure each system we design exceeds our customers’ expectations.”
Pretium will also support your team in sourcing cost-saving incentives or available rebates for battery storage investments. Once the system is installed, it will ensure a smooth project deployment as your maintenance provider takes control, monitoring the real-time data and providing routine maintenance to ensure the longevity of the batteries.
To find out if battery storage is a viable option for you, visit www.pretiumengineering.com
