As businesses look for smarter, more sustainable ways to manage energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint, commercial EV charging solutions powered by solar energy and battery storage are becoming an essential investment. Companies across the UK are now integrating renewable energy technologies to create a greener, more cost-effective infrastructure while preparing for the future of electrified transport.
One recent example of this shift is a commercial solar ecosystem installed at Grange Shipping Ltd in Felixstowe. While NexBlue’s 22kW Edge EV chargers were part of the project, the key players driving the installation were Insight Energy, a trusted renewables installer, alongside Wevo Energy and SolarEdge Technologies, two leading innovators in energy management and optimisation.
The Role of Wevo Energy and SolarEdge Technologies
Who is Wevo Energy?
Wevo Energy specialises in AI-driven energy management solutions. Their software optimises the flow of energy between solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging systems to ensure maximum efficiency. In this project, Wevo’s intelligent platform was used to balance energy distribution between the building and the EV chargers, ensuring that available solar power was utilised before drawing from the grid. This not only lowers costs but also reduces peak demand, preventing excessive strain on the electrical infrastructure.
What Does SolarEdge Do?
SolarEdge is a global leader in solar inverter technology and energy optimisation. Their power optimisers were deployed at Grange Shipping Ltd to enhance solar panel efficiency, mitigating shading issues and ensuring each panel generates the maximum possible output. Additionally, a SolarEdge Synergy Inverter and 27.6kWh SolarEdge Battery were included in the system to store excess energy, improving self-consumption rates and providing backup power when needed.
Project Performance Metrics
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Solar PV System: 40.42kWp
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Battery Storage: 27.6kWh
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Annual Energy Production: 36.60MWh
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CO2 Reduction: 7.08 tonnes per year
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Self-Consumption Rate: 60%
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Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Internal Rate of Return: 18%
These figures demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of integrating solar energy with commercial EV charging infrastructure.
The Bigger Picture: Commercial EV Charging & Energy Independence
Why Should Businesses Invest in EV Charging?
The UK government is accelerating the transition to net zero emissions by 2050, with significant funding and tax incentives available for businesses adopting EV infrastructure. For companies with vehicle fleets or high customer footfall, installing EV chargers offers several advantages:
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Revenue Generation: Businesses can charge customers and employees for EV charging services.
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Sustainability Leadership: Demonstrating commitment to sustainability enhances brand reputation.
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Lower Operational Costs: Charging company vehicles on-site with solar energy reduces reliance on expensive grid electricity.
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Future-Proofing: EV adoption is growing rapidly, and businesses that install chargers now will be ahead of the curve.
Maximising Energy Savings with Battery Storage
Pairing EV chargers with solar panels and battery storage provides even greater benefits, including:
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Energy Resilience: Store excess solar power to use when needed, reducing reliance on the grid.
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Peak Demand Reduction: Avoid high electricity costs by using stored energy during peak hours.
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Load Balancing: Manage energy distribution effectively, preventing overloading.
Government Support for Business EV Charging
The UK government has introduced several grants and incentives to help businesses transition to EV infrastructure, including:
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Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Covers up to 75% of installation costs, capped at £350 per charger (up to 40 charge points per business).
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EV Infrastructure Grant for SMEs: Covers up to £15,000 for businesses installing multiple chargers alongside energy management systems.
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Super Deduction Tax Relief: Businesses can claim 130% capital allowances on EV charging infrastructure costs.
These initiatives make it easier for businesses to adopt EV charging while reducing upfront costs.
The NexBlue Edge 22kW: Premium EV Charging for Businesses
NexBlue’s Edge 22kW EV charger was selected for the Grange Shipping Ltd project due to its high performance and premium build quality. This commercial-grade charger offers:
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Fast Charging: 22kW AC charging, suitable for workplaces and commercial sites.
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Smart Connectivity: Remote access, energy monitoring, and load balancing features.
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Durability: Weather-resistant construction, ideal for outdoor installations.
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Seamless Integration: Compatible with solar PV and energy management systems like Wevo Energy.
By investing in NexBlue’s premium charging solutions, businesses can provide reliable, efficient charging for their fleets, employees, and customers while optimising energy use with smart technology. Find out more about the NexBlue Edge.
Future-Proof Your Business with EV Charging & Renewable Energy
The integration of solar energy, battery storage, and smart EV charging is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical and profitable solution for businesses today. With partners like Insight Energy, Wevo Energy, and SolarEdge, companies can implement scalable, high-performance systems that reduce costs, increase energy independence, and enhance sustainability efforts.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Now is the time to future-proof your business with a state-of-the-art commercial EV charging and energy management system. Contact the team at NexBlue today to explore your options and take the next step toward a greener, more efficient future.