Even with onsite generation and wheeling agreements in place, the cost of electricity still depends on when it is consumed.
billing arrangements, although metering, contracts or data requirements may need updating. Making supply work harder with storage Even with onsite generation and wheeling agreements in place, the cost of electricity still depends on when it is consumed. Peak tariffs in the early morning and evening can erode much of the benefit from cheaper supply. This is where batteries come in. Their primary role is in arbitrage: charging when tariffs are low and discharging when
5.5MW rooftop solar wheeling project at the Massmart Distribution Centre in Brackenfell in Cape Town
where utilities are one of the largest controllable expenses, they are emerging as an important part of the energy mix. Progress through practice There is no single technology that can transform the energy profile of commercial real estate. Progress comes from a layered approach that starts with insight, builds through efficiency and adds onsite generation, wheeling and storage where they make sense. Each lever reduces risk, protects margins and strengthens resilience when applied with financial discipline.
electricity is expensive. This reduces exposure to peak pricing and helps smooth out demand. Recent South African case studies show that businesses pairing solar with battery storage under time-of-use tariffs are already achieving measurable savings. Batteries also extend the value of onsite renewables. Excess solar produced in the middle of the day can be stored and released in the evening when demand rises. As technology improves, with longer lifespans and falling costs, the case for batteries as a cost management tool is becoming stronger. In an environment
October 2025 | Issue 141 | Asset Magazine 95
94 Asset Magazine | Issue 141 | October 2025
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