Energy management in the commercial sector has taken a significant step forward in the Dominican Republic with the implementation of an advanced battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Las Carmelitas branch of Ferretería Ochoa, one of the country’s largest hardware and construction supply retailers.
The project was developed by ENESTAR, with support from UNITRADE, an authorised distributor of Huawei FusionSolar technology.
The solution is integrated into an existing grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system of approximately 450 kWp, which had already enabled the facility to significantly reduce electricity consumption. The addition of energy storage represents the next stage in energy optimisation, focusing on load profile management and tariff optimisation while complementing the existing solar generation.
The project incorporates the Huawei LUNA2000-215-2S10, a 215 kWh commercial and industrial (C&I) battery energy storage system designed for facilities with variable electricity demand. The system stores energy and releases it in a controlled manner during periods of higher consumption, helping stabilise the facility’s energy use and reducing the impact of peak demand charges, one of the main cost drivers for commercial electricity consumers.
The storage system operates with an advanced Time of Use (TOU) configuration, enabling energy management based on tariff schedules established by the local electricity distributor.
Through this functionality, the system automatically charges the batteries during off-peak periods, when electricity prices are lower, and discharges them during peak demand hours (7:00 pm to 12:00 am). This strategy reduces billed electricity consumption when energy prices are highest and significantly lowers peak demand charges.
As a result, the system improves demand-side management, reduces power-related costs and maximises the return on investment (ROI) of the energy storage asset.
From both operational and financial perspectives, energy storage is emerging as a key tool for active energy optimisation. It enables companies to achieve more predictable electricity consumption patterns without affecting operational continuity, while expanding their value beyond the traditional role of backup power.
Safety is a central component of the system’s design. The solution integrates multiple layers of protection at the cell, module and system levels, alongside continuous monitoring of electrical and thermal variables.
The system also incorporates active liquid cooling technology, which maintains uniform temperature conditions, reduces thermal stress and improves the stability and lifespan of the battery system.
According to energy and financial modelling carried out by ENESTAR, the project will allow Ferretería Ochoa to achieve estimated savings of around DOP 180,000 per month (approximately USD 2,500). The projected payback period is less than 30 months, aligning with international best practices in energy management for the commercial sector.
With this deployment, UNITRADE strengthens its role as a facilitator of Huawei’s energy storage portfolio in the Dominican market, while ENESTAR consolidates its position as an integrator of hybrid solar PV and energy storage solutions focused on technical performance, operational safety and measurable economic outcomes for businesses.
The project reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where commercial and industrial companies are increasingly adopting energy storage technologies to optimise energy management, reduce operational costs and enhance operational resilience through digital energy solutions and hybrid generation systems.
