Battery Container: Large-Scale Energy Storage for Businesses

If you want to use a battery container, first consider the applications: these five situations are the most common among businesses.

1. Smoothing out peaks without a major connection

Those whose energy consumption regularly approaches the grid connection limit do not need to request a larger connection. The battery container absorbs the peak load and provides sufficient power when multiple machines are running at the same time; peak shaving with a container is easier to set up and often less expensive than upgrading the connection.

2. Emergency Power for Critical Processes

In the event of a power outage, the battery container kicks in and keeps cooling systems, servers, or production operations running. This makes the battery container a reliable backup for any business that cannot afford to be without a reliable power supply for even a minute; even during prolonged power outages, the reliable power supply remains intact as long as the battery is charged.

3. Trading on the Energy Market

Buy electricity when prices are low and sell it when demand peaks. With a battery container, you can have an energy management system do this automatically, opening up new revenue streams in addition to the savings.

4. Storing Solar and Wind Energy

Solar panels and wind turbines rarely generate power exactly when it’s needed. The containers store the generated energy so that no renewable energy is lost; you can use the stored energy on-site or sell it back to the power grid. Read on to learn how this connection works.

5. Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

A charging station for trucks or buses requires more power than most outlets can provide. The battery container slowly charges itself via the existing outlet and delivers the energy to the vehicles in short sessions; this allows even a limited outlet to be used efficiently. For smaller charging projects, Frax also offers EV chargers that you can connect to a battery system.

A battery container is a large-scale energy storage system: a robust container filled with lithium iron phosphate battery cells, climate control, and a battery management system. An inverter is not included as standard; we add one when the installation requires it. Smart technology controls the charging and discharging; modern models are plug-and-play, and the simple installation involves nothing more than placing and connecting the container.

Battery containers come in various types, depending on size and application. From compact units for a single business location to interconnected arrays for large-scale energy storage: the size is scalable, as containers can be connected in parallel to achieve the desired capacity. This flexibility makes the battery container suitable for a wide range of applications.

There are various types, classified by storage capacity and application.

At full capacity

A compact battery container starts at 1,000 kWh and is suitable for the energy needs of a single business. Larger models, ranging from 2 to 7 MWh, are used for grid services and solar farms; the system remains scalable: those who need more storage can connect containers until their energy needs are met.

Application

For emergency power, choose a battery container with fast switchover; for commercial use, choose a model with high storage capacity; and for a grid connection with limited capacity, choose one with high power output. The applications determine the configuration; our team will calculate the details for each specific situation.

The figures below apply to a standard 1,000 kWh battery container; larger models range from 2 to 7 MWh per unit.

Power and Capacity

A 1,000 kWh battery container can deliver up to approximately 500 kW during peak load. The ratio of power to capacity is an important factor in the selection process: peak shaving requires a lot of power, while energy trading requires a lot of storage.

Charging Time and Battery Life

A full charge takes about 2 hours, and with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, the battery container can last for thousands of cycles. You store energy efficiently when prices are low; that keeps the cost per cycle low.

Connection and Configuration

If you choose an inverter inside the container, it will be configured to integrate seamlessly with the existing system—from the transformer to the solar panels. This way, the container works efficiently alongside what’s already in place, rather than next to it.

For solar panel owners, the math is simple: store energy during the day that would otherwise be fed into the grid at a low rate, and use that stored electricity yourself in the evening. This way, no excess energy is wasted, and the share of self-generated electricity in total consumption increases.

Wind energy rounds out the picture: the wind often blows when the solar panels aren’t generating power. By connecting both sources to the same battery container, renewable energy can almost always be stored, and the container remains in efficient operation year-round. Companies are increasingly using this combination to make their own energy consumption entirely renewable without placing an additional burden on the power grid.

The price of a battery container depends on its storage capacity in kWh, its power rating, its grid connection, and any customization; that’s why we don’t list standard prices but instead provide a quote tailored to your specific situation. However, two things are true in every case:

Savings on Energy Costs

Companies save up to about 30% on energy costs by strategically timing their charging: using cheap electricity and avoiding expensive electricity. These lower energy costs, combined with peak shaving, form the basis of the business case for energy storage.

Return on Multiple Roles

You can achieve optimal efficiency by stacking roles: containers that store solar energy during the day can discharge it at night and smooth out peaks throughout the year. The more often the system is used effectively, the faster you’ll see the benefits.

Safe Technology

Lithium iron phosphate is the safest option among lithium chemistries: it has a higher ignition temperature and stable cells. In addition, each battery container is equipped with comprehensive safety features—from a fire suppression system to an emergency shut-off—designed to meet strict safety standards.

Safe place on the grounds

Place the battery container on a paved, level surface with clear space all around it for cooling and maintenance. Keep in mind the distance to buildings and property lines; requirements vary by municipality and insurer, and we take them into account in the placement check for each battery container.

Whether it’s for peak shaving, emergency power, or off-grid power supply: the battery container only becomes cost-effective when it’s used frequently and effectively, because an idle battery container doesn’t generate any revenue. Smart use means allowing the power supply to switch between roles: containers that smooth out peaks today store commercial power tomorrow. Advanced technology in the management system ensures that the container switches between its roles intelligently, and we’ll set up that control system with you. View the full range on our page featuring energy storage containers, or request a quote for your energy needs right away.