Running a commercial kitchen can use a lot of energy, which increases costs and harms the environment. However, by adopting energy-saving strategies, restaurant owners and chefs can reduce expenses and help create a greener future.
Using energy-efficient kitchen equipment can significantly lower energy bills and help the environment. Rising oil and gas prices have made managing a commercial kitchen more stressful, but making kitchens more energy-efficient benefits both businesses and the planet.
This article offers practical tips to improve energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen without sacrificing food quality.
Why does your favorite restaurant consistently serve delicious meals while keeping energy costs low?
The answer lies in their focus on energy efficiency in their kitchen equipment. This approach cuts energy bills and creates a more comfortable kitchen environment by reducing heat and noise.
Role of Energy Efficiency in Commercial Kitchens
Every appliance plays a role in a busy kitchen, from refrigeration units that keep ingredients fresh to ovens that turn those ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. But did you know that your chosen appliances can affect your business?
Optimizing energy usage is critical for increasing operational effectiveness and lowering costs.
Efficient kitchen equipment lowers utility bills and increases operational efficiency by reducing waste. With energy-saving practices, you can reduce costs while increasing productivity.
Moving Towards Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power open up exciting possibilities for commercial kitchen appliances. These alternatives reduce carbon footprints while maintaining efficiency.
For example, a solar-powered refrigerator is eco-friendly and saves money on utility bills over its lifetime. Sustainable ventilation systems powered by wind turbines or other renewable sources reduce reliance on traditional fuels, cutting CO2 emissions.
An oven using biomass fuel produces less soot than conventional ones, improving indoor air quality.
Integrating commercial renewable energy into commercial kitchens is an optimistic step towards efficiency and sustainability. Technological advancements are reducing energy waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Embracing these innovative technologies saves us money and the planet, creating delicious meals without leaving a negative carbon footprint.
How to Create a Green Commercial Kitchen?
Use advanced, energy-efficient kitchen equipment to reduce energy bills and help the environment.
Rising oil and gas prices have made running a commercial kitchen more stressful. Companies now focus on energy efficiency to save money and combat climate change.
Why Upgrading Your Appliances Matters
Efficient Refrigeration
- Professional kitchen fridges run 24/7 and consume a lot of energy. New energy-efficient fridges can save thousands of dollars in operational costs.
- For example, switching from a class G to a class B refrigerator can save 78% of energy costs, and a class C freezer can save 70%.
- New fridges also reduce food waste by maintaining even temperature and humidity.
Eco-Friendly Refrigeration Solutions
Efficient Kitchen Appliances
The importance of energy-efficient equipment in commercial kitchens cannot be understated. This equipment benefits businesses financially and significantly reduces environmental impact.
For example, Energy Star-certified refrigeration appliances use less electricity than standard models while maintaining cooling efficiency.
It is critical to remember that updated or more efficient kitchen equipment can increase energy consumption, leading to higher operational costs.
Saving money goes beyond attracting more business; it also includes effective resource management within your company.
Cooktops: Induction cooktops reduce energy consumption by 60%, and electric solid tops save 35% energy.
Electric Grills: These grills heat up quickly and save 30% energy.
Ovens: Some ovens use AI to optimize cooking and save 10% energy.
High-Speed Cookers: Energy-efficient cookers use 60% less energy and are in standby mode to save more energy.
Upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen equipment can save money, reduce environmental impact, and create a more sustainable commercial kitchen.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Commercial Kitchens
Cutting Energy Waste and Costs
Creating a Better Working Environment
Using energy-efficient equipment saves money, reduces carbon emissions, and improves the working environment.
Efficient appliances emit less heat and make less noise, making the kitchen more comfortable for staff. This comfort boosts morale and productivity, making for a happier and more efficient team.
Reducing Utility Bills
Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce power consumption, lowering utility bills—by as much as 18-25%.
This can result in substantial savings over time. Additionally, efficient kitchens use less water and benefit from multifunctional appliances, reducing overall resource consumption.
Saving Money and the Planet
Using energy-efficient equipment not only helps the environment but also saves money. Upgrading to energy-efficient models or maintaining existing equipment properly can lead to significant cost savings.
Regular cleaning and maintenance keep appliances running efficiently, benefiting your budget and the planet.
Investing in energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen is smart for financial and environmental reasons.
Energy Saving Tips for Your Commercial Kitchen
Running a busy commercial kitchen uses much energy, leading to high costs and environmental impact.
Restaurant owners and chefs can save money and help the environment by adopting energy-saving practices. Here are some practical tips to improve energy efficiency in your kitchen without compromising food quality.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Embrace LED Lighting:
Schedule Equipment Usage Wisely:
Monitor Water Usage:
Train Staff on Energy Efficiency:
Conduct Regular Energy Audits:
Maximizing Kitchen Ventilation:
A well-designed kitchen layout can boost ventilation efficiency. Placing heat-producing equipment like ovens near exhaust hoods makes the system more effective. You can also install a heat exchange system to capture and reuse wasted heat.
Wise Appliance Allocation:
Strategically placing appliances can significantly lower utility bills. By keeping frequently used items within easy reach, chefs can reduce movement, saving time and electricity. Optimizing cooking processes is another way to save energy.
Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure all equipment runs efficiently, reducing annual energy use and enhancing safety.
Smart Kitchen Habits:
Adopting eco-friendly kitchen habits is key to conserving energy. Turn off appliances when not in use and use the oven’s residual heat to finish cooking instead of keeping it on. Avoid preheating the toaster or microwave.
Defrost frozen food naturally instead of using the microwave, which uses much energy. Hand-washing dishes for smaller loads instead of using the dishwasher can save energy and reduce water usage.
These tips can make your commercial kitchen more energy-efficient, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Additional Energy-Saving Tips for a Commercial Kitchen
Switch to Renewable Energy
Regular Maintenance
Reduce Heat Usage
Switch Off When Not in Use
Turning off all power and utilities at the end of the day significantly saves energy. This is especially important during public holidays or closed days. Ensure all staff know where the power points and switches are so they can help out.
Contact Cyanergy for any smart products or commercial renewable energy needs. Get a free quote and talk to an expert today!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Maximizing Energy Efficiency In Australian Commercial Kitchens appeared first on Cyanergy.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency In Australian Commercial Kitchens
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.”
###
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.
From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint1 year agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Why airlines are perfect targets for anti-greenwashing legal action
-
Renewable Energy2 months ago
US Grid Strain, Possible Allete Sale
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Some firms unaware of England’s new single-use plastic ban