Achieving Net Zero with Intelligent Battery Storage

Insight article: Ivan Castro, Operations Director at Levelise

The UK is moving full speed towards its 2050 net zero target, and solar energy is playing a major role in that journey. As of February 2025 over 1.73 million solar installations have been completed nationwide, contributing to a combined 18GW of clean energy. While domestic uptake continues to grow, commercial rooftop installations now account for around 20% of solar deployment – a clear sign that businesses and energy managers are getting serious about cutting carbon. 

But putting solar panels on roofs is just the start. To get the most out of solar energy, we need to store it and use it smartly. That’s where intelligent battery storage such as Levelise  comes in. To fully realise its benefits, solar needs to be paired with intelligent battery storage systems that not only store excess generation, but actively manage how and when energy is used, traded, or exported. By combining solar and smart storage, organisations can lower their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and even earn extra income – all while helping the UK create a cleaner, more flexible energy system.

Turning solar into smarter savings

These energy management solutions help to unlock the full value of solar and battery systems. By aggregating thousands of batteries across the UK, it creates a powerful virtual power plant capable of participating in grid flexibility services. It intelligently manages stored energy, allowing residents and businesses to benefit not only from time-of-use optimisation, but also from trading excess capacity into the energy markets and providing balancing services to the National Energy System Operator (NESO). 

For energy and sustainability managers focused on delivering both financial and environmental performance, this creates an exciting opportunity. You’re no longer just cutting costs – you’re turning your building or property portfolio into an active part of the energy system, contributing to grid resilience and carbon reduction.

Whether managing residential schemes, commercial premises, or public sector buildings, participation in energy markets and demand-side response programmes can generate tangible income alongside the expected bill savings and carbon reductions.

Faster payback and greater impact

One of the biggest benefits of adding smart storage to a solar setup is a shorter payback time. Rather than waiting many years to see a return, organisations can now start saving – and earning – within the first 12 months.

But the advantages aren’t just financial. These systems also help reduce reliance on fossil-fuel electricity from the grid, cutting carbon emissions and supporting your organisation’s sustainability goals. If your business is working towards environmental targets or needs to report on carbon performance for ESG or compliance reasons, the data from these systems makes it easier to track and report progress.

Long-term energy strategy

Beyond the immediate financial gains, these systems support stronger, longer-term customer relationships. With ongoing system monitoring, monthly performance insights, and continued optimisation, end users remain engaged with their energy system long after the installation is complete.

As the energy system evolves, energy managers have a critical role to play in leading that change. Intelligent battery storage is helping to make that role more strategic, more impactful, and more future-ready than ever.

For further information, please contact re@phillipsprofile.co.uk