Sungrow hybrid inverter and BESS takes bite out of energy costs for commercial food wholesaler

Energy intensive, Bryon Bay-headquartered food wholesaler Absolutely Wholesale has integrated a Chinese energy solutions company Sungrow SH110CX hybrid inverter and 50 kWh PowerKeeper battery energy storage system (BESS) with the site’s existing 100 kW roof top solar system and expects return on investment (ROI) to be achieved in 12 months.

Forking out between $10,000 and $20,000 a month in electricity bills for its 24/7 refrigerated operation, the Sungrow system has been deployed by local installer ProSolar inside a cool room environment where PowerKeeper reliably functions at 10°C.

Designed to perform across a wide operating temperature range of –20°C to 55°C, a Sungrow statement said the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved PowerKeeper is suited for “diverse and demanding Australian conditions”.

Sungrow Asia Pacific Vice President Joe Zhou said Australian businesses are increasingly looking for flexible and efficient energy solutions to manage changing energy needs and rising operating cost pressures.

“The Absolutely Wholesale project demonstrates how Sungrow’s advanced PV and energy storage technologies, together with strong local partner expertise, can help businesses unlock greater value from their existing solar assets and prepare for future energy expansion,” Zhou said.

ProSolar Co-owner and General Manager Ben Pietzsch said PowerKeeper’s modular design made it a practical solution for Absolutely Wholesale’s current and future energy needs.

“The customer’s decision to add another 50 kWh shows strong confidence in the system and its ability to support growing operations,” Pietzsch said.

The project uses a DC-coupled architecture, reducing additional infrastructure upgrades and overall project investment, and with the battery supporting around-the-clock refrigeration and cooling system needs, energy costs and operational efficiency are improved.