How to recognize a good battery simulation?
More and more companies are planning to invest in battery storage systems. Whether to cut peak loads, optimize self-consumption or as part of a multi-use approach: Expectations are high. But storage is bought too often before it is clear what it can really do in a specific application. A well-founded battery simulation can prevent just that.
What is a battery simulation?
A battery simulation is a digital analysis tool that makes the effects of a planned storage investment visible even before it is made. Based on real consumption data, dynamic price signals and realistic usage scenarios, it is possible to determine which storage strategy makes economic sense for a company. This allows companies to make well-founded decisions instead of relying on assumptions.
Why battery storage systems are gaining in importance?
Industrial battery storage is more than just a topic of the future – it is becoming a decisive component of modern energy strategies. But why is the investment worthwhile right now? The expansion of renewable energy sources is constantly progressing – but their availability fluctuates. Sometimes there is too little electricity available, sometimes it is in abundance – with correspondingly severe price swings. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to store electricity when it is available cheaply and in large quantities from renewable sources. According to one study by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne does the rise volatility on the electricity market – an environment in which flexible storage solutions are becoming increasingly important.
In addition, there are new regulatory incentives to making energy consumption more flexible, the expansion of sector coupling and company-specific requirements that make battery storage economically attractive for many companies. BESS and other types of storage help with:
- Peak shaving
- Optimizing self-consumption
- Smart energy management based on price signals from the day-ahead or intraday market
- Stabilization of the power grid through short-term compensation payments
But the requirements are highly individual: consumption patterns, self-generation, electricity cost structure and purchasing strategy differ from company to company. This makes planning complex and battery simulation all the more important.
What makes a good battery simulation stand out?
A battery simulation is helpful for companies if it is practical, data-based and can be used strategically. Companies can recognize it by the following aspects:
1. Digital image of your energy system
A good simulation realistically depicts a company's location: historical load patterns, current electricity price structures, PV generation and planned developments are incorporated. The simulation shows energy flows as if the storage system were physically on site. This allows you to monitor potential storage savings every day.
2. Scenario diversity and goal orientation
Whether it’s peak shaving, self-consumption optimisation, or pursuing multiple goals simultaneously (multi-use), different use cases can be simulated. Target parameters such as profit, CO₂ reduction or, depending on the application, a higher degree of energy autonomy can be measured and compared.
3. Economic feasibility analysis
The battery simulation provides key performance indicators such as payback period, savings potential and levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). Operating costs with and without storage can be directly compared, offering a clear picture of financial viability.
4. High-resolution data and realistic parameters
The simulation works with quarter-hour intervals, taking into account charge and discharge cycles. It illustrates how factors such as storage capacity and charging power influence the overall result.
5. Concrete recommendations for action
A robust battery simulation answers essential questions: Which storage technology best suits your company? What capacity and power rating do you need? And how should the storage system be controlled after installation to fully unlock its potential?
Three key learnings from practice
Theory and practice are not the same. That’s why we’ve compiled insights from various simulations conducted with companies across multiple industries:
- Real system dynamics matter: Static models are insufficient. Only dynamic simulations reveal the true benefits, since electricity consumption and generation fluctuate throughout the day. A model must capture these variations to deliver realistic results.
- High-resolution data is essential: It forms the foundation for sound decisions. Quarter-hourly data reveals exactly when load peaks occur or when PV output is fed into the grid — both crucial for accurate system design.
- Sizing is not linear: The choice of capacity and charging power has complex effects on profitability and savings. A larger storage system is not automatically better — sometimes a smaller, more precisely tailored solution delivers the greatest economic benefit.
Conclusion: Simulation before investment
A good battery simulation is more than a simple calculation tool – it’s a strategic planning instrument that minimises risk, ensures economic clarity and secures investment decisions. Companies investing in storage should combine simulation and optimisation from the start to achieve shorter payback periods, higher ROI and maximum operational flexibility.
Are you planning to install a battery storage system? We’re happy to support you with a tailored simulation to guide your decision-making. Contact us to arrange a non-binding initial consultation.
Lesen Sie weiter
Industrial electricity price: meaningful subsidy or misplaced incentive?
Hardly any other cost factor shapes German industry as strongly as the price of electricity. For years, companies have warned about internationally uncompetitive energy prices and the risk of losing competitiveness. With the planned industrial electricity price, the German government aims to provide relief from 2026 onwards. But is this subsidy really the right approach? A closer look shows that the concept remains controversial – and raises fundamental questions about the future of Germany’s energy policy.
Effects of the technical error on the spot market
The day before last Wednesday, there were horrendous electricity prices on the electricity exchange due to a technical error. This was expensive for some industrial companies — our customers were protected by intelligent energy management.
BAFA module 3 subsidy: Everything you need to know
BAFA module 3 offers companies the attractive opportunity to receive financial support for energy-efficient measures. In this article, we answer the most important questions about BAFA funding so that you can make the most of funding opportunities.
How the slowed expansion of renewable energies drives electricity prices up
If the expansion of renewable energies slows down, electricity prices in Germany could rise by up to 25% by 2045. A scenario analysis shows how this would weaken competitiveness and the country’s attractiveness as an industrial location.
Power grid in Oranienburg overloaded: A proposed solution
Last week, various media reported on the electricity shortage in Oranienburg, the causes and the reaction of energy suppliers. Since such cases could occur more frequently in the future, we will look at possible solutions in the following article.
Optimising electricity costs: How companies reduce expenses with new tariff models
Rising energy prices and increasing market volatility are making electricity cost optimisation a key economic lever for many companies. Learn how flexible tariffs, dynamic grid fees, and targeted load management can help reduce energy costs sustainably.
Why companies rely on energy management
There are many reasons why companies are looking for innovative energy management. Based on the experiences and feedback from our customers, we have summarised the three biggest challenges.
Record figure: 280 hours of negative electricity prices
Rising price fluctuations are a reality and will continue to increase. For industrial companies, they open up opportunities: those who react flexibly reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage.
Saving energy in companies made easy
Saving energy is becoming increasingly important for companies – not only for ecological reasons, but also for economic reasons. In this blog article, we will show you why it is worthwhile to reduce energy consumption, what measures you can take and how an energy management system can help.
Storing electricity without batteries: Smart alternatives for industry
In a changing energy system, the ability to store and control energy is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage - especially for industrial companies. But this does not always require classic battery storage systems. Companies can store electricity without batteries - by intelligently utilizing existing systems and processes.
Coalition agreement 2025: What is in store for industry now
The 2025 coalition agreement brings new drive to energy policy. The new federal government (CDU, CSU, SPD) is committed to climate neutrality by 2045 — with specific goals for more renewable energy, digitalization and, above all, more flexibility in the energy system. For industrial companies, this means that energy optimization is becoming a strategic success factor.
The most important facts about energy efficiency for companies
The importance of energy efficiency for companies is constantly growing. Both environmental responsibility and cost savings have a decisive impact on their competitiveness. In this article, we take a closer look at the most important facts about energy efficiency and show how companies can improve it.
The new flexible grid charges for industrial customers
The German Federal Grid Agency is planning to adjust the regulations for individual grid charges for industrial customers. As a result of the energy transition, the framework conditions of the energy system are currently changing. The new regulations, which were set out in the recently published key point paper on Section 19 (2), should take this into account.
The development of electricity prices on the stock exchange until 2030
How will electricity prices on the exchange develop in the future? A recent study shows how renewable energy, rising gas and CO₂ prices and the nuclear phase-out are shaping the market. In this article, you can read about the challenges and opportunities this presents to industry.
Why it pays to flexibilize your company's electricity consumption
Making electricity consumption more flexible is becoming increasingly important in industry. Companies are faced with the challenge of rising electricity prices, fluctuating energy generation and network utilization. Flexible electricity consumption can help to reduce costs and operate more sustainably. But what does that mean in practice?
The winners and losers of negative electricity prices
The recently adopted solar package in Germany has brought negative electricity prices back into the public eye. We explain how they arise, what problems are associated with them and how companies benefit from negative electricity prices.
