Understanding where and when your business uses energy is essential and empowering. It gives you the power to find the best ways to save money.
While energy bills can give you some of this information, more detailed data and assessments will provide you with a clearer picture of energy use, boosting your confidence in your decision-making.
A complete guide to energy audits for industrial facilities can help you understand how your company consumes energy and point out areas where you could save. This can lead to less energy use, better productivity, and chances to improve your operations.
Energy audits can be done within your company, but if you don’t have the right skills in-house, you can hire outside experts or energy service companies to handle part or all of the audit.
What is Energy Audit: A Comprehensive Guide
An energy audit for an industrial facility is a detailed process for analysing energy consumption in a factory or plant and identifying ways to use that energy more efficiently.
It is like a health check-up, but instead of checking a person’s body, it evaluates the energy systems of a building or facility.
The main goal of an energy audit is to find areas where energy is wasted and suggest changes that can save money, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall performance.
How Energy Audits Work
The process starts with inspecting the facility to understand how energy flows. This involves examining machinery, lighting, heating, cooling, and other energy-consuming equipment.
Specialists will also examine the organisation of processes like manufacturing or storage to identify opportunities to improve their energy efficiency.
Next, data about energy usage over time is collected. This data usually comes from electricity bills, gas consumption records, or even specialised meters installed on the equipment.
By studying this data, energy auditors can determine where most energy is used and whether it is used efficiently.
Key Steps in an Energy Audit
Site Inspection: The auditors visit the facility to understand its layout, machinery, and energy systems. They might also examine insulation, air leaks, and outdated equipment.
Data Collection includes reviewing utility bills and analysing how energy consumption varies throughout the day or season.
Performance Testing: Some audits might include measuring equipment efficiency, such as motors, boilers, or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, working.
Analysis: After collecting all the data, the auditors analyse it to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
The auditors provide a detailed report that includes suggestions for reducing energy use. These recommendations include upgrading to energy-efficient machinery, improving insulation, or using renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Benefits of an Energy Audit
One of the most significant benefits of an energy audit is saving money. By reducing energy waste, businesses can lower their utility bills. This is also good for the environment, as less energy means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy-efficient equipment saves money and leads to smoother operations for industries. It often requires less maintenance and lasts longer, providing a long-term return on investment and instilling confidence in the decision to upgrade.
Additionally, many governments offer incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, for companies that make their facilities more energy-efficient. This can further reduce the cost of implementing the changes suggested in an energy audit.
Importance of Energy Audits for Industrial Facilities
Industrial facilities typically use more energy, much more than offices or homes. However, this also means that even minor improvements in energy efficiency can lead to significant cost savings, providing a strong motivation for conducting energy audits.
For example, replacing old motors with energy-efficient ones or improving equipment scheduling can make a big difference. These measures also help companies stay competitive, especially in industries where energy costs are a large part of overall expenses.
In summary, an energy audit is a systematic way to understand and improve energy use in an industrial facility. It helps save money, supports sustainability efforts, and enhances operational reliability.
Conducting an in-house energy audit means examining how your business uses energy to find ways to save money.
While energy bills can provide some clues, gathering and analysing more detailed data will help you better understand energy consumption.
However, conducting an in-house energy audit can be challenging due to the complexity of energy systems and the need for specialised knowledge. It’s essential to be prepared for these challenges and consider seeking professional assistance.
Conduct an In-house Energy Audit
Access Energy Data
To get a complete picture of your electricity and gas use, you’ll need at least 12 months of data showing how your energy use changes over time.
The billing data can help you identify which processes in your company use the most energy. You can obtain this information directly from your energy supplier or have someone else access the data.
You can rent a meter to measure short-term energy use or install meters to track specific periods. When reviewing the results, consider daily, monthly, or seasonal changes.
Energy monitors show your energy use and cost in real time. Some energy suppliers offer free energy monitoring, and apps are available for Apple and Android devices. You can also find plug-in monitors for your business.
You can visit the Victorian Energy Saver website to learn how to access and understand energy data.
Analyse your Energy Baseline
Next, analyse your energy baseline. This will help you understand the connection between your business’s energy use and activities and link energy costs to business output.
Common ways to analyse energy data include:
- Graphing energy use over time to see patterns, considering seasonal, monthly, weekly, daily, or even hourly usage
- Plotting energy use against production or other factors
- Benchmarking your energy performance to see if a process or business unit is working at its best or to compare different sites
Monitor Your Data
Choose the Correct Type of Energy Audit
Type 1 (Basic Energy Audit)
This is a simple review of how much energy your business uses, with a rough estimate of possible savings and relatively quick payback periods.
These audits are good for small businesses but can also help larger ones if they haven’t checked their energy efficiency.
Type 2 (Detailed Energy Audit)
This audit provides a more thorough analysis of your business’s energy use. It calculates potential savings based on specific data and equipment used at each location.
It also includes a financial evaluation of energy-saving opportunities to help you prioritise them. This type of audit usually doesn’t require extra measurement tools.
Type 3 (Precision Subsystem Audit)
This audit focuses on a specific part of your system, such as boilers or air compressors. It involves additional measurements to provide more precise data on possible savings. This audit is best for larger businesses with specialised equipment or extensive production facilities.
Tips for Doing an Industrial Energy Audit for Your Business
There are several ways to conduct an energy audit, and it’s important to remember that every business is unique and has unique energy needs.
While it is best to hire a professional to conduct an energy audit, you can do some things yourself to get started.
Here are some tips to help you:
Check Equipment Maintenance: Make sure your equipment is regularly serviced and follows the recommended maintenance schedule.
Evaluate Heating and Cooling Appliances: Determine the age of your heating and cooling systems and check if they need replacing.
Monitor Room Temperature: Make sure you’re only heating or cooling the rooms that are being used.
Use Timers: Check if timers are installed in different parts of your building to control energy use.
Look for Air Leaks: Search for any leaks that could be wasting energy.
Install Programmable Thermostats: Use programmable thermostats to control heating and cooling more efficiently.
Set Temperature Settings: Set your heating or cooling temperature between 24 and 27°C in winter and 18 and 21°C in summer.
Proper Placement of Thermostats: Ensure thermostats are placed correctly, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Insulate Ductwork: Insulate your ductwork to reduce energy loss.
Consider Variable Speed Equipment: Replace fixed-speed motors with variable-speed equipment.
Improve Airflow: Make sure no blockages prevent proper airflow in your building.
Assess Water Heating: Check how much energy is used for water heating and if it matches your needs.
Evaluate Lighting: Hire an expert to ensure the right lights are installed in the right places.
Use Task Lighting: Consider using task lighting to avoid lighting large areas unnecessarily.
Switch to LEDs: Use LED lights for better energy efficiency across your business.
Maximise Natural Light: Find ways to use natural sunlight more effectively in your building.
These steps can help you start a DIY energy audit, but hiring a professional to check all your equipment thoroughly is a good idea.
While hiring professionals might cost money upfront, it can save you more in the long run. Plus, you’ll discover other energy-efficient equipment that can help you save even more money over time.
Contact Cyanergy for any further assistance and get a FREE QUOTE TODAY!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Complete Guide to Energy Audits for Industrial Facilities appeared first on Cyanergy.
https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/complete-guide-to-energy-audits-for-industrial-facilities/
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
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ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
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Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
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Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
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Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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