In the European energy storage market, residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) energy storage systems serve fundamentally different technical and operational purposes. Understanding these differences is essential for correct system selection and design.

Residential Energy Storage Systems

Residential energy storage systems in Europe are typically installed alongside rooftop solar PV systems. Their main objectives are increasing self-consumption, providing limited backup power, and supporting grid interaction under local regulations. Typical capacities range from 5 kWh to 30 kWh.

Technical characteristics include:

Single- or three-phase inverters

Wall-mounted or compact floor-standing design

Standardized protection and communication protocols

Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Energy Storage Systems

C&I energy storage systems are engineered for higher power and capacity, often ranging from 50 kWh to several MWh. They are deployed in factories, logistics centers, office buildings, and industrial parks.

Technical features include:

Three-phase PCS with grid code compliance

Advanced EMS for load forecasting and control

Customized system integration based on site conditions

Key Technical Differences

Capacity and power level: Residential systems focus on energy, while C&I systems balance energy and power

Control strategy: Simple self-consumption vs multi-objective optimization

System integration: Standard products vs project-based engineering

Selecting the appropriate system depends on load profile analysis, grid requirements, and long-term operational strategy.