With the OPEX model, the battery is realised via a leasing or financing partner bank. You typically pay for the system over a period of, for example, 10 years in predictable instalments and have the option to take ownership of the battery at a symbolic residual value at the end.
What this concretely means:
Cash flow:
No or significantly lower upfront investment, instead regular, well predictable payments over the contract term.
Structure:
The financier acquires the system and provides it to you under a leasing or service agreement. At the end of the term, the battery can be taken over at a symbolic amount (contractually defined).
Planability:
Energy cost savings and leasing payments can be compared directly, which simplifies evaluation on the OPEX side.
FION’s role:
Together with the financing partner, we design a model that fits your budget and desired term.
We compare CAPEX and OPEX variants based on identical technical assumptions so you can make a clean internal comparison.
In both cases, the same FION solution optimises your grid connection point - the only difference is the financing structure, not the technical quality.
The aim is that you do not make this choice “from the gut”, but based on transparent numbers.
Before a final offer is created, FION’s technical team visits your site.
Scope of the inspection:
Check of the grid connection point
existing switchgear, transformers and cable routes
available reserves in the infrastructure
Assessment of the installation area
space for container or cabinet solution
ground conditions, accessibility, weather exposure
fire safety distances and access routes for emergency services
Integration into ongoing operations
delivery routes and crane logistics
interfaces to existing systems and control technology
Your effort:
One or two contact persons on site who can provide access to relevant areas and answer technical questions.
Our result:
A technically and economically robust offer based on your real conditions - not just on drawings.
Grid connection is one of the most sensitive parts of a storage project. In Germany, technical connection rules such as VDE-AR-N 4105, 4110 or 4120 and EN 50549 are relevant.
FION takes care of:
preparing the application documents for the grid operator
compiling technical data on the battery, inverters and protection concept
communication with the grid operator and metering point operator
coordinating any required evidence, measurements or expert reports (for example via independent bodies such as TÜV)
Your effort:
authorisation for FION to communicate with the grid operator on your behalf
specific information on existing contracts and contact persons where needed
Experience from projects shows:
An industrial battery can serve several purposes at the same time:
peak shaving
reduction of demand charges and grid fees
use of low-price hours
integration of on-site generation
We simulate different multi-use profiles instead of looking only at an isolated peak shaving case. This leads to sizing that is close to the real payback and avoids ending up with a “nice to have” battery without a clear business case.
Stationary industrial battery storage systems must comply with a number of technical and regulatory requirements, such as:
European battery and product safety standards (e.g. IEC 62619, EN 50549)
national and European grid connection rules (e.g. VDE-AR-N 4105/4110/4120)
safety and fire protection requirements for BESS as set out in current industry guidelines and best practice documents
FION ensures that:
only components are used that come with the relevant certificates and declarations of conformity
technical documentation and evidence for grid operators, authorities and insurers are complete
safety requirements (e.g. distances, fire sections, emergency shutdown concepts) are already integrated in the planning phase
Where special assessments or designs are required (e.g. fire protection), we involve suitable specialist partners and coordinate the process.
Many industrial companies have long-standing partnerships with specific electrical contractors or in-house service providers. That is not a contradiction to a storage project with FION - it is an advantage.
Possible division of roles:
FION is responsible for
the overall concept for the battery and grid connection
selection and specification of the storage technology
coordination with grid operator, manufacturers and certifiers
Your existing partners take on (if desired)
defined work on existing switchgear
cable routes and structural adjustments
integration into existing automation and control systems
FION acts as central coordinator:
To give you a realistic picture of the internal workload:
Typical effort on the customer side:
providing energy data (load profiles, tariff information)
2 to 3 key alignment meetings
kickoff and target picture
on-site inspection
results and decision workshop
internal approvals (CAPEX or OPEX, HSE, plant management)
optional involvement of your in-house electricians
What FION takes care of:
analysis, battery sizing and business case
preparation of the decision basis for CAPEX vs OPEX
technical design and specification of the storage system
coordination of all involved partners
communication with grid operator, metering point operator and certifiers
preparation of technical documentation
support during installation, testing and commissioning
Target picture: