COMMERCIAL GUIDE
Self-consumptionTOUArbitrageSolar
PV Self-Consumption and Time-of-Use Arbitrage with Storage
Store midday solar or cheap overnight energy and use it when it is worth more — the simplest way storage pays.
01Introduction
What this article covers
Store midday solar or cheap overnight energy and use it when it is worth more. Self-consumption and time-of-use arbitrage are the most common ways stationary storage pays for itself.
02Technical
Self-consumption
PV often generates most when occupancy or load is low, so surplus would be exported at a low rate. Storing that energy and using it in the evening lifts self-consumption and reduces imported energy.
03Technical
Time-of-use arbitrage
Where tariffs have distinct cheap and expensive windows, storage can charge in the cheap window and discharge in the expensive one. The margin between windows, minus losses, is the arbitrage value — modelled from the actual tariff.
04Technical
Combining with peak shaving
On commercial sites these strategies stack: arbitrage and self-consumption fill the battery through the day, while peak shaving targets the demand spike. One system can serve several objectives if the EMS coordinates them.
05Technical
What limits the value
Round-trip losses, the size of the price spread, and how many cycles the warranty allows all bound the case. Model the spread net of losses and respect the throughput cap when comparing options.
06Related Products
Products referenced
Referenced in this article
Commercial & Industrial ESS
Systems sized for self-consumption and shifting.
Explore products →Related range
Battery Storage Components
Hybrid PCS and modules for DC-coupled designs.
Explore products →07Related Solutions
Solutions for this topic
08Related Articles
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09Related
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10FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is self-consumption?
Using your own solar on site instead of exporting it, typically by storing surplus and using it later.
Is arbitrage worth it?
Only where the tariff spread between windows is wide enough to beat round-trip losses; model your own tariff.
Can one battery do several jobs?
Yes — self-consumption, arbitrage, and peak shaving can share one system if the EMS coordinates them.
Put this into your project
Talk to StorXing about sizing, integration, and delivery for your site.