SolarEdge combines UPS with renewable energy

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are generally thought of as insurance policies for companies and institutions with critical power requirements such as hospitals, research facilities, laboratories, data centres, manufacturers, health care, government, academic, research and transportation facilities, providing reliable power supply.

At present, the most common method of providing backup power is the use of generators with UPS batteries. However, grid failure or grid interruption are not the only factors that need to be considered by energy users; there are a wide variety of commercial implications to think about. First, there are variations in tariffs throughout the day: power from the grid at peak times is more expensive. Secondly, in some countries, rates charged are based on the maximum consumption in a given period.

The next step is to combine the capabilities of UPS systems with a renewable energy source.

SolarEdge’s DC-optimised string inverter solution uses Power Optimizers placed directly onto solar modules, turning them into modules that maximise solar power generation and monitor system performance at a module level. Further, modules can be placed at any tilt or orientation and in uneven string lengths. This allows more modules to be placed on the roof for more power.

Crucially, this use of solar energy and batteries does not add risk to an organisation’s UPS provision. This is because the energy levels reserved for critical power are automatically monitored, regulated and preserved. Beyond these requirements, using surplus solar energy can cut costs without adding risk: it maximises self-consumption when the grid is on and provides backup power capabilities when the grid is down.

An integrated PV and UPS system can add value and reduce costs, on top of providing users with energy protection. Longer backup times can be achieved and the flexibility of allocating batteries to the solar and/or UPS sides of the system can deliver further efficiencies and savings, transforming a backup solution from a necessity to an asset.

SolarEdge UPS batteries have an expected lifetime of 15–20 years. With the cost of batteries continuing to fall, the future ROI will likely continue to improve.