Budle Bay Campsite: Making More of Solar Energy

Discover how an AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 and DC extension cabinet add 241 kWh of storage to Budle Bay Campsite’s existing solar installation.

Adding 241 kWh of AlphaESS commercial battery storage to make greater use of an existing 65 kWp solar installation.

Budle Bay Campsite had already invested in solar generation and wanted to increase the value of the electricity produced on site.

Installer HCA Energy, supported by energy storage specialist Immersa, added an AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 system with a DC extension cabinet to the campsite’s existing solar infrastructure. The installation provides 50 kW of nominal power output and 241 kWh of total battery storage capacity.

By storing surplus solar electricity for later use, the system gives the campsite greater flexibility over when it uses its renewable generation, helping reduce reliance on imported grid electricity.

Budle Bay is a green site that relies mostly on on-site renewable energy for power and hot water. They recycle or compost all waste and maintain wild areas for local wildlife.

DISCOVER THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Client: Budle Bay Campsite
Sector: Hospitality
Installer: HCA Energy
Battery supply and
technical integration partner: Immersa

Existing solar PV capacity: 65 kWp
Battery storage system: AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50
Nominal power output: 50 kW
Main system battery capacity: 120.5 kWh
DC extension cabinet capacity: 120.5 kWh
Total battery storage capacity: 241 kWh
Application: Battery storage retrofit alongside existing solar PV
Primary objective: Increase on-site use of existing solar generation

By combining the AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 with a DC extension cabinet, we helped HCA Energy add 241 kWh of storage at Budle Bay Campsite, giving the site greater flexibility to retain solar electricity and use it when needed.

Immersa

The Challenge: Matching Solar Generation to Site Demand

Budle Bay Campsite’s existing 65 kWp solar installation provides a strong foundation for renewable electricity use. However, solar generation and electricity demand don't always align. When solar output exceeds immediate demand, the site cannot store surplus electricity for later use without storage. At other times, the site may need to import electricity even after generating a surplus earlier in the day.

Battery storage offered an opportunity to improve that balance. The project required a solution that could integrate with the existing infrastructure and store enough solar electricity to use outside peak generation hours. The objective was to build on the campsite’s existing investment with a practical storage upgrade.

The Solution: AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 with Extended Capacity

The installation combines an AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 system with a 120.5 kWh DC extension cabinet. The main system provides 50 kW of nominal power output and 120.5 kWh of battery capacity. The extension cabinet adds another 120.5 kWh, bringing total storage capacity to 241 kWh without needing another inverter.

This configuration increases storage capacity while keeping the same nominal power output. It gives Budle Bay Campsite more capacity to capture surplus generation and release it when required. The distinction matters: battery capacity determines how much energy the system can store, while power output determines how quickly it can supply electricity.

Building on the Existing Solar Installation

HCA Energy retrofitted the battery system alongside the campsite’s existing 65 kWp solar PV installation. The project enhances the renewable infrastructure already in place, allowing the site to store electricity rather than relying solely on using solar energy as it is generated.

When surplus generation is available, the battery can retain it for later consumption. Stored electricity can then help meet demand when solar output falls or site requirements increase. The DC extension cabinet increases battery capacity. Its inclusion does not, by itself, describe how the existing solar array is electrically coupled to the storage system.

Specialist Supply and Technical Integration

Immersa supplied the AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 and DC extension cabinet, alongside engineering guidance and technical integration support. Working with HCA Energy, Immersa supported the introduction of commercial battery storage alongside the existing solar installation.

HCA Energy delivered the retrofit, combining AlphaESS storage technology with the campsite’s established renewable energy infrastructure. The project shows how experienced installation partners and specialist technical support can help businesses add storage to existing solar assets.

Benefits of the Storage Upgrade

Greater Use of On-Site Solar Electricity
The additional storage capacity creates more opportunities to retain surplus solar generation and use it within the campsite.
Less Reliance on Imported Electricity
Using stored solar energy can reduce the need to purchase grid electricity when renewable generation is lower or demand exceeds solar output.
More Flexibility Over Energy Use
Battery storage lets the campsite store some solar electricity for later use, helping align renewable generation with operational demand.
Additional Capacity Without Another Inverter
The DC extension cabinet doubles storage capacity from 120.5 kWh to 241 kWh while retaining 50 kW of nominal power output.
An Upgrade to Existing Renewable Infrastructure
The installation builds on the campsite’s solar investment through a battery retrofit, extending the role of its renewable energy system.

Making More of an Existing Solar Investment

Budle Bay Campsite demonstrates how commercial battery storage can help businesses make greater use of renewable generation already installed. By combining an AlphaESS STORION-G3-H50 with additional battery capacity, the project gives the campsite more control over when it uses locally generated electricity.

For hospitality businesses and other commercial sites with existing solar PV, it provides a practical example of how a storage retrofit can improve energy flexibility and support greater solar self-consumption.

241

OF ENERGY STORAGE ADDED

For a UK green holiday destination, adding a commercial battery storage solution to an existing solar power system not only makes environmental sense but is also becoming an increasingly strong financial incentive as energy prices rise.

Discuss Your Commercial Battery Storage Project, whether for green holiday company or other commercial enterprises

Already generating solar electricity and looking to make more of it?

Speak to AlphaESS UK or Immersa about commercial battery storage designed around your existing installation, electricity demand and site requirements.

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