Power reliability is becoming a bigger business concern for large energy users. According to PwC's October 2026 Large Energy User Survey, 70% were less confident in grid reliability than they were two years ago.
Growing electricity demand, extreme weather, and aging grid infrastructure are adding to these concerns, making energy resilience an important consideration for businesses that depend on uninterrupted power. For energy-intensive businesses, the question is how to protect operations when grid power becomes unavailable.
For manufacturing plants, cold storage facilities, data centers, and other critical operations, even a brief power interruption can have significant consequences.
Manufacturers may lose production batches or face lengthy restart procedures. Cold storage facilities risk spoiled inventory, while data centers can experience service disruptions that affect customers. In each case, the financial impact can extend well beyond the outage.
According to the same PwC survey, 76% of respondents reported operational or financial impacts from unreliable electricity supply.
The challenge for businesses is understanding what an interruption could cost, which operations are most vulnerable, and whether their existing backup systems provide adequate protection.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) store electricity from the grid or onsite generation and release it when needed.
Under normal operating conditions, batteries can reduce electricity costs by managing peak demand and shifting electricity purchases to lower-cost periods. They can also create revenue opportunities through eligible grid programs, helping the investment deliver value even when backup power isn't needed.
But not every battery system is designed to provide backup power.
To support operations during an outage, a BESS requires appropriate controls, switching equipment, and the ability to operate safely when disconnected from the utility grid.
System sizing is equally important. Some facilities need rapid power transfer to protect sensitive equipment, while others require enough stored energy to maintain critical operations for several hours. Battery storage can also be integrated with existing generators to support longer outages.
Facilities must consider these requirements early in system design. A battery configured primarily to manage electricity costs may not provide the backup capabilities a facility needs.
Commercial solar systems generate electricity onsite, but conventional grid-connected installations generally shut down during utility outages for safety reasons.
When paired with battery storage and appropriate controls, solar can help maintain critical operations by replenishing stored energy during daylight hours, potentially extending backup duration.
This is particularly relevant for businesses that already have solar installed. Depending on the existing equipment and electrical configuration, you may add storage to provide capabilities the original solar system wasn't designed to deliver.
The business case for energy resilience needs to account for both the cost of potential downtime and the financial value a system can generate during normal operations.
What would an hour of downtime cost? Which processes must remain running? How long would backup power be needed? And what savings or revenue opportunities could help offset the investment?
The answers help determine whether the investment makes sense and which system configuration is appropriate.
Financial evaluation should also consider the facility's utility rates, available incentives, and financing options. Direct ownership, Power Purchase Agreements, leases, and Energy Service Agreements offer different approaches depending on the project and the organization's capital priorities. Some qualifying projects may be structured with little or no upfront capital.
Financial and technical decisions also need to remain aligned throughout the project. Our article on distributed energy projects explains how coordination between development, engineering, and construction helps protect project ROI.
For businesses where power interruptions can disrupt operations, resilience deserves consideration alongside energy costs and future plans.
The right solution might involve battery storage, solar, existing backup generation, or a combination of technologies. The important question is which approach meets the facility's needs and makes financial sense.
Pfister Energy helps commercial and industrial organizations evaluate onsite energy opportunities and develop solutions aligned with their operational and financial priorities.
Let's explore how greater energy control could create lasting business value.
Can battery energy storage keep a facility operating during a power outage?
Yes, when designed and equipped for backup operation. Available power, backup duration, and transfer performance depend on the system's configuration and critical load requirements.
Is solar energy reliable during power outages?
Solar panels can generate electricity reliably during daylight hours when conditions allow, but conventional grid-connected systems generally shut down during utility outages. With battery storage and appropriate controls, solar can provide backup power during grid disruptions.
Can battery storage be added to an existing commercial solar system?
Often, yes. Retrofit feasibility depends on existing equipment, electrical configuration, available space, interconnection requirements, and project economics.
Can solar-plus-storage be financed without upfront capital?
Absolutely! Options include PPAs, leases, and Energy Service Agreements. Available terms depend on project economics and financing requirements.