02. Q&A with Lewis Carpenter, Business Development Manager at Immersa
Can you tell us about your role at Immersa and how you work with AlphaESS systems across projects?
I’m a Business Development Manager at Immersa, working within the commercial and industrial battery storage market. My role sits somewhere between commercial development and solution design, which means I spend a lot of time helping partners understand how battery storage can fit into their projects.
A big part of what I do is building long-term partnerships with solar installers and renewable businesses that want to add battery storage to their offering. Through those partnerships, we supply AlphaESS’s C&I battery systems and help bring storage solutions to their customers.
Where things get a bit more specialised is in the support we provide during the early stages of a project. I work closely with partners before construction begins to assess whether a project is viable, size the right battery system, and build financial models that show the value battery storage can bring.
That usually means looking at half-hourly energy consumption data, solar or wind generation profiles, electricity tariffs and other site variables. From there we can work out the most effective battery strategy.
Sometimes Immersa’s role is simply supplying the battery system, but in many cases we also support with engineering guidance and installation advice. The goal is always the same, helping partners deliver battery solutions that make financial and operational sense for their customers.
What are you currently seeing in the UK C&I energy storage market, what’s driving demand right now?
There are three main things driving demand for commercial battery storage.
The first is cost. Since around 2023 we’ve seen battery prices drop quite dramatically, in some cases by 50–60%. Improvements in manufacturing and falling raw material costs have made battery projects far more financially attractive than they were even a few years ago.
The second is the technology itself. C&I battery systems have come a long way, with better cell technology, more advanced operating features, improved safety and smaller cabinet footprints. All of this makes systems easier to install and more appealing for businesses.
The third factor is the growing opportunity in energy markets. The aggregator space is developing quickly, which means commercial batteries can now participate in additional revenue streams. Immersa works closely with partners to develop these strategies, and the AlphaESS systems integrate well with aggregators.
What that means in practice is that businesses can now generate savings and revenue through things like energy arbitrage, wholesale trading and grid services — not just solar self-consumption.
Can you walk us through a recent project that stands out, and the impact battery storage had for that customer?
One project that really highlights the impact battery storage can have is the installation at Moat Farm.
By adding battery storage alongside the site’s renewable energy infrastructure, the system allows the business to better control when and how energy is used. Excess renewable generation can be stored and then used later when electricity prices are higher or when the site needs more power.
That helps reduce reliance on grid electricity while also improving the economics of the energy system overall.
Projects like this show how battery storage is becoming much more than just a way to support solar installations. Increasingly, businesses are starting to see it as a strategic energy asset — something that helps them manage costs and build greater resilience.
From an installer and commercial perspective, what makes a battery system reliable and effective, and how do AlphaESS systems support that?
When it comes to commercial battery systems, reliability really comes down to a few key things; safe battery chemistry, strong battery management systems, reliable inverter integration and good energy management software.
AlphaESS systems tick those boxes. They use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which is widely recognised for its safety and long lifecycle performance. On top of that, the systems include multi-layer battery management architecture and integrated power conversion systems.
Another benefit installers appreciate is the modular design. It makes systems easier to install and also allows them to scale as a site’s energy needs grow.
All of those factors help ensure the system performs reliably over the long term, which is critical for commercial energy projects.
What are the biggest challenges businesses face when adopting battery storage, and how are these being overcome?
Two challenges come up most often: grid constraints and financing.
Grid connections can sometimes be the biggest hurdle. When submitting applications to distribution network operators, response times can vary and in some cases expensive upgrades to the local network are required. That can affect whether a project goes ahead.
One way we help address this is by recommending DC-coupled systems using the AlphaESS range. This removes the need for a separate AC solar string inverter, which reduces the total AC capacity required without reducing the size of the system. In many cases that improves the chances of grid approval and also reduces overall system cost. AlphaESS systems are also G100 compliant, meaning export can be limited to meet grid requirements if needed.
The other challenge is upfront capital. While battery projects are now showing payback periods of three to five years, some businesses still find the initial investment difficult.
To help overcome this, we work with finance partners who can offer leasing or debt finance options. That allows businesses to deploy battery storage without large upfront costs. We’re also seeing more interest from PPA providers who are starting to include battery storage alongside solar in their energy contracts.
Looking ahead, how do you see battery storage evolving over the next few years for UK businesses?
We expect the commercial battery storage sector to grow very quickly over the next few years.
Since 2020, operational battery capacity in the UK has already increased by more than 500%. Falling costs and greater confidence in the technology are helping accelerate adoption across the market.
In the past, batteries were mainly used to increase self-consumption of renewable energy. Going forward, the focus will be much more on value stacking, where a single battery system delivers multiple benefits at the same time.
Modern systems, including the AlphaESS range, can now combine services like peak shaving, energy arbitrage, renewable self-consumption and participation in grid and flexibility markets.
As those markets continue to develop, battery storage will become an increasingly important part of how businesses manage their energy strategy.
For more information on our commercial battery storage solutions, click here.
