Energy-secure charging with smart storage and control

Storage3.4 MWh

solarpanels1800

charging stations78

Leadtime in months3

Van der Spek transformed its parking lot into an energy hub for the region. With 1800 solar panels, 78 charging points, and a large-scale battery system controlled by the iwell EMS, the charging plaza is continuously guaranteed power without unnecessary peak costs or dependence on the grid. The result: stable charging for customers and transporters, maximum utilization of own solar energy, and new revenue streams via HBEs and grid balancing.

About van der Spek

Van der Spek Vers en Tuin is a budget garden center with a fresh food store in Zevenhuizen (NL), directly on the A12 motorway. The location is completely gas-free (heat pumps) and combines shopping with charging: visitors and transporters from the region use the public charging station, even outside opening hours.

The challenge

A public charging station directly next to the A12 motorway means fluctuating peaks; PV generation varies and is zero in the evening. The request to iwell: guarantee charging, maximize use of own solar energy, and keep costs and connection under control.

Charging reliability first for 78 regular AC charging points (normal charging) and 4 DC fast chargers (fast charging), even outside opening hours.
Solar first: buffer surpluses instead of feeding them back at low rates; reduce purchasing and CO₂.
Focus on value: dampen peaks without increasing the connection; generate extra income via HBEs and grid balancing.

“Our surplus energy is sold via the charging stations, providing both added convenience for customers and a new revenue model for the business.”

Ton van der Spek

Owner

The solution

We created an integrated energy system: a BESS of approx. 1.5 MW / 3.4 MWh with the iwell EMS as the controller. The EMS connects PV, battery, and charging infrastructure into a unified whole and switches to the most valuable option every minute.

In concrete terms, this means:

PV optimization: storing surpluses and using them later for the building or the charging station.
Smart power distribution: providing exactly what is needed per charging group and per pole, preventing queues.
Flexibility for the grid: purchasing when there is a surplus, supplying when there is a shortage — without hindering charging.
Generating HBEs via public charging.

Together with Fudura, we took care of the connection (transformer) and civil engineering work. iwell integrated, tested, and brought the whole system into operation. One system, one dashboard, ready for growth.

From design to delivery

Execution took about three months, from engineering to commissioning. Together with Fudura – responsible for the transformer and civil works – iwell installed the battery and integrated the iwell EMS with the PV system and charging infrastructure. After handover, we take care of 24/7 monitoring and optimization.