1. Behind-the-Meter BESS Is Moving Centre Stage
The UK grid is under pressure. Peak demand is climbing and commercial energy costs remain unpredictable.
Talk of grid-scale storage was everywhere, but the most practical opportunities are behind the meter. Businesses under pressure from rising costs and grid constraints are looking for batteries that can do more than shift load. They want assets that protect operations and unlock growth.
For installers, this means projects that go beyond compliance or short-term savings. Behind-the-meter systems are becoming essential infrastructure, and customers are ready to invest if the business case is clear. They’re evaluating battery storage the same way they evaluate their backup power systems: as a business continuity tool that happens to save money.
2. Data Security Isn’t Optional
Every serious conversation about EMS included questions about cybersecurity, which makes sense. A compromised EMS can disrupt grid services, manipulate energy trading, or shut down critical operations. As BESS systems become more connected and more valuable, they become more attractive targets. Installers are now expected to talk about security as confidently as they talk about wiring or warranties.
Whether it’s cyber protection for EMS or safeguarding customer data, security has become a baseline requirement. For installers, it’s a trust factor that can make or break client relationships.
3. Intelligent EMS Is the Real Differentiator
A battery stores energy. An EMS decides what to do with it. This distinction came up constantly at Solar & Storage Live. Installers understand battery specs — capacity, charge rate, cycle life. But the economic performance of a BESS installation depends entirely on the intelligence of its energy management system.
An intelligent EMS handles multiple value streams simultaneously: peak shaving, frequency response, backup power and solar self-consumption. It forecasts energy prices, predicts load patterns and optimizes for both immediate savings and long-term battery health. It adapts to changing tariffs and grid conditions without manual intervention.
From optimising consumption to creating new revenue streams, EMS is where projects prove their value. Installers who can deliver and explain that intelligence will stand out in a crowded market.
Solar & Storage Live made it clear that the UK storage market is maturing fast. The opportunities are real, but so are the expectations. Commercial clients are comparing BESS proposals against other capital investments. They want guarantees.
The next step is clear: pair batteries with intelligence, resilience, and security.
Want to discuss how intelligent EMS integration can strengthen your BESS installations? Let's talk.