The Lightbulb of the 21st Century: How Batteries are transforming our lives.

After the UK removed VAT from the installation of battery only insallations in UK homes, (VAT was already exempt from Energy Storage Solutions provided it was installed with PV systems) we Callidus Wholesale Ltd proudly proclaimed that 2024 would be the: "Year of the battery" but we, unlike us I know (??) were under-selling it...

The Global Shift Toward Battery Storage

One of the most significant drivers of the energy transition is the rise in large-scale battery storage. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2040, global battery storage capacity will grow 50-fold compared to current levels. This exponential growth is driven by falling costs, improved efficiency, and the increasing urgency to transition away from fossil fuels. In fact, the IEA notes that the average cost of lithium-ion batteries has plummeted by over 85% since 2010 (a whopping 50% of these savings have been realised in the last 18 months alone - the pace of this change and efficiency is actually speeding up!), making storage solutions not just a luxury for industrial powerhouses, but a viable option for residential and commercial energy users globally.

These improvements in cost and performance are critical for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Renewable energy, by nature, is intermittent— the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Battery storage provides the answer to one of the most fundamental challenges of renewables: how to store excess energy for use during periods of low generation. The growing presence of batteries, from small home-based systems to grid-scale storage, is playing a pivotal role in smoothing out supply, stabilising grids, and ensuring that renewables become a more reliable part of the energy mix.

The Role of China: Driving Affordability in the EV Market

The battery revolution is not only reshaping how we think about energy—it is driving a seismic shift in transportation. China's rise as an automotive manufacturing superpower has accelerated the affordability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In 2023, China's electric vehicle exports surged, making it the largest global player in EV manufacturing. China’s dominance in the EV market has reduced production costs, enabling battery electric vehicles to become cheaper to produce than traditional combustion-engine cars.

As RMI research suggests, economies of scale, improvements in battery efficiency, and streamlined manufacturing processes have pushed the EV market towards a tipping point. The cost of owning and operating a BEV is rapidly approaching parity with that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With China’s battery manufacturing capacity expanding rapidly, BEVs are expected to outpace the production and sales of ICE vehicles by the end of this decade, signaling the end of the century-long reign of combustion engines.

This shift also brings environmental benefits. RMI’s analysis shows that by 2050, widespread adoption of EVs could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by over 7 gigatons annually, aligning with global climate goals and the push for net-zero emissions. The world is quickly moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future—thanks, in large part, to battery technology.

Batteries in Modern Warfare: Lessons from Ukraine and Russia

The influence of batteries extends beyond energy and transportation—remarkably, it has also impacted warfare. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has underscored the pivotal role battery technology now plays in modern military strategies. Drones powered by lightweight, rechargeable batteries have become a defining feature of the battlefield. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used for surveillance, targeting, and even direct combat operations, with a level of efficiency and precision that traditional warfare could never have achieved.

In an era of asymmetric warfare, where smaller, less resourced forces can challenge larger, better-equipped armies, batteries offer an edge. The ability to charge UAVs in the field using portable solar or wind generators makes them not only effective but also sustainable tools for extended combat operations. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that drone warfare has created new opportunities for military tactics that rely on mobility, speed, and precision, facilitated by portable, long-lasting battery systems. In many cases, drones are altering the course of battles, reinforcing that energy storage is now as critical to military strategy as ammunition and manpower.

Solar Installers: The Power of Cutting-Edge Energy Storage Solutions

For solar installers, the integration of battery storage is no longer a new frontier; it’s a fundamental part of modern energy projects. Installers are already fitting batteries en masse, and the demand continues to grow. However, not all battery solutions are created equal, and the brands you choose to install can make or break the long-term success of your projects. That’s where the value of working with trusted names such as Growatt New Energy , Lithion Battery Inc. , GivEnergy , Huawei FusionSolar UK , and particularly Victron Energy comes into play. These brands represent the highest standards of reliability, performance, and adaptability in the industry, and they form the backbone of the energy storage solutions we stock at Callidus Wholesale Ltd you can shop the range of battery solutions here .

We're particularly excited by the new GivEnergy Generation 3 battery which has taken their performance to the next level. It is a brand close to our hearts as they are the only UK based tech company developing batteries in their home country in this way. You can shop their range here in the full knowledge that we are steadfast supporters of this important brand.

What sets us apart is not just the quality of the brands we offer but our deep expertise in energy storage system (ESS) design and implementation. We don’t just sell batteries—we design, customise, and build systems tailored to specific project requirements, solving complex energy challenges that many others in the market simply can’t handle.

The Victron Energy 200kWh BESS System: A Game-Changer for Large-Scale Projects

A prime example of our unique capabilities is the 200kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) we designed and installed on a large infrastructure project, using Victron Energy technology. The client initially relied heavily on a hydrogen generator for their energy needs, which gravely inflated costs. They know they needed an energy storage system to reduce costs but had the additional challenge of requiring something that could interact safely with a hydrogen generator. By integrating our bespoke Victron Energy BESS, we were able to drastically reduce the generator's active hours, cutting fuel consumption and emissions while saving the client a significant amount of money across the project's duration. This system allowed them to operate far more efficiently, reducing their carbon footprint and operational costs—an increasingly crucial aspect of project management today.

Solving Grid Connection Issues with Custom Battery Systems

In another case, we were approached by a landlord in the North of England who had completed the construction of an industrial estate, only to find that securing a grid connection would cost a staggering ￡250,000. The financial burden of this grid connection was unfeasible, especially as tenants had already signed leases, and the landlord could not pass these costs on to them.

Our solution? A custom, plug-and-play battery pack using Victron Energy components. This battery system absorbed the load that would have required a costly grid connection, delivering over 50% in savings compared to what it would have cost to secure grid access. This not only allowed the landlord to avoid a hefty upfront cost but also provided a reliable, efficient, and scalable energy solution that met the needs of the estate and its tenants.

Bypassing Grid Delays with Battery Storage: The Future of PV Installations

Grid access is becoming an increasingly problematic bottleneck for solar installers, especially in the UK. In one instance, an installer faced a serious delay after the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) informed their client that grid connection wouldn’t be possible until 2032—nearly a decade away. Waiting this long wasn’t an option, and the financial implications of such a delay were catastrophic for the project.

Once again, Victron Energy offered the answer. We are now working on designing a large BESS solution, approximately 600kWh, to enable the site to operate on solar PV without waiting for grid access. Not only will this allow the project to move forward, but it’s also proving to be more cost-effective than securing a grid connection.

Why Victron Energy and Callidus Wholesale Are Unmatched in Energy Storage

Victron Energy stands out as a leader in flexible, robust battery solutions for both commercial and industrial applications. Their systems are highly customizable, allowing us to build energy storage setups that address unique client needs—from infrastructure projects with intermittent power demands to industrial estates in need of off-grid solutions. Their reliability, versatility, and performance are unmatched, which is why they are the go-to choice for so many of our bespoke battery projects.

At Callidus Wholesale, our expertise in solar and energy storage goes far beyond product sales. We are innovators, problem-solvers, and technical experts who can design and build tailored solutions for even the most complex energy challenges. Whether you need a battery system to cut generator use on a large-scale project or to bypass grid connection delays, we have the expertise and product portfolio to make it happen.

With the right brands and expert design, battery storage is not only a solution—it’s a long-term investment that transforms how your clients access, store, and manage their energy. And with partners like Victron Energy you have everything you need to offer game-changing energy solutions to your clients.

Financial Support for Projects of Any Scale: Partnering with Powen UK

One of the key challenges for solar installers and developers today isn’t just the technical side of battery storage or PV installation—it’s the financial aspect. Large-scale projects often require significant upfront capital, whether it's a commercial PV system or an industrial battery energy storage system (BESS). At Callidus Wholesale, we understand that financing can be a barrier to realizing these projects. That’s why we’ve partnered with POWEN to offer unique financial solutions that make energy storage and solar systems more accessible and affordable for projects of any size.

How Our Partnership with Powen UK Works

Through our collaboration with Powen UK, we provide financial support options tailored to the specific needs of your project, whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial. These options allow you to spread the cost of installing solar or battery systems, significantly reducing the upfront investment while ensuring long-term returns.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): For large-scale solar and energy storage projects, PPAs are an ideal solution. With a PPA, your clients pay for the energy their system generates over time rather than the cost of the system itself. This model allows clients to avoid upfront costs and spread payments over years, making it financially viable to install even the most advanced battery and PV systems. Powen UK handles the financial arrangement, ensuring that all projects meet the necessary design and vetting stages before proceeding.
2. Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) Models: Similar to a PPA, the EaaS model offers clients the opportunity to pay for their energy consumption rather than the hardware. This is particularly useful for industrial estates or commercial projects where capital expenditure is limited but operational efficiency is crucial. By financing the system through Powen UK, businesses can install a fully functional energy storage or PV solution without the need for large, upfront payments, while still benefiting from immediate energy savings.
3. Flexible Financing Options for Battery Storage: Whether you’re installing a 600kWh BESS or a smaller residential battery system, Powen UK offers tailored financing packages. These options allow you to implement battery storage projects that would otherwise be delayed due to lack of grid access or financial constraints. With Powen’s financing, even complex projects—such as the 200kWh Victron Energy BESS we installed for a major infrastructure project—become affordable.
4. Tailored Solutions for Time-Sensitive Projects: In cases where grid delays pose a significant financial risk, as in the example of the industrial estate unable to secure a grid connection until 2032, our financial partnership ensures that large-scale BESS systems can be installed quickly and affordably. By working closely with Powen UK, we can design a financing structure that aligns with the client’s cash flow and energy requirements, ensuring the project moves forward without costly delays.

Making Energy Independence Affordable

Our partnership with Powen UK enables us to remove financial barriers for clients, allowing solar installers to offer cutting-edge solutions with flexible, long-term financial arrangements. Whether it's a commercial solar installation, a large-scale battery system, or an off-grid solution, we can ensure that your clients don’t have to compromise on technology or wait years for grid connections to come through. With the right financial model in place, energy independence can be both achievable and cost-effective.

By offering these financing solutions, Callidus Wholesale and Powen UK ensure that solar installers can expand their services, providing comprehensive, financially viable energy systems that deliver both immediate and long-term value. So, whether your project involves PV, battery storage, or both, we’re here to support you from concept through completion—both technically and financially.

Conclusion: The Battery as a Catalyst for Global Change

The rise of battery technology is not just a trend—it is a fundamental shift that is changing the way we power our homes, our vehicles, and even our militaries. From the energy revolution that promises a cleaner, more sustainable future to the battlefield strategies that define modern warfare, batteries are the catalyst driving this change. Solar installers, by positioning themselves at the forefront of this revolution, have a unique opportunity to become thought leaders in a rapidly evolving industry. The world is powered by batteries now—and those who harness this power will help shape the future.

If you're heading to this years Solar & Storage Live show at the NEC Birmingham we will be there exhibiting from stand D24.

We will have all the brands mentioned on this post that we are exhibiting along with household names such as JA Solar , Qcells UK, Ireland and Scandinavia , Clenergy , Van der Valk Solar Systems , Genius Roof Solutions , BirdBlocker , Doncaster Cables ???? , SolaX Power , EcoFlow , Tigo Energy , Ohme , as well as one or two surprises up our sleeves to be announced at the show ??

Have a great week on the solarcoaster, revolutionising the world one panel at a time!

From TEAM Callidus Wholesale