Co-Location Analysis
We assess whether adding a battery energy storage system (BESS) to your PV project can be implemented from a technical, grid-related, and permitting perspective—and which system sizing makes the most economic sense.
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Co-location: Is a battery storage system economically attractive for your PV project?
Stand-alone PV projects are increasingly under economic pressure. Hybridization with a battery storage system can be a decisive lever here.
Today, battery storage makes it possible to align PV power generation more effectively with market and grid realities. Surplus energy can be stored instead of being curtailed, and an existing grid connection can be used more efficiently. Especially against the backdrop of scarce connection capacity and growing grid congestion, flexibility becomes a key project factor—and co-location a pragmatic option to implement projects in a more economical and bankable way.
This is precisely where we come in: In our Co-Location Analysis, we perform an individual, project-specific review of the grid- and permitting-related as well as technical boundary conditions for expanding a PV project into a co-located PV + BESS system. We assess several design variants, calculate the economics transparently, and derive a clear recommendation for your next steps. In doing so, we either consider the hybrid plant as a single unit or evaluate the BESS extension separately.
When is a Co-Location Analysis useful?
If PV-only is barely economical
A battery storage system can unlock additional revenue potential and improve the economic viability of the site. In the Co-Location Analysis, we use various simulations to assess not only the technical feasibility but also the extent of the economic added value or possible revenue increase through co-location in your specific project.
If you want to know what a BESS expansion means for your current PV system – and what might still be missing
We review existing documents and framework conditions (e.g., grid connection agreement, technical planning, permitting status, and relevant contracts) and derive their impact on the design, operation, and economic viability of a potential hybrid system. Additionally, we show which additions or verifications are project-specifically required for a BESS expansion (e.g., additional expert opinions such as noise, soil, fire protection, wastewater, visibility, environment).
If you want to know how a BESS could be technically integrated into your existing PV project
We examine the technical integration logic at a high level, identify key interfaces, and make essential technical risks transparent.
If you want to know which grid-side options co-location realistically permits in your project
We evaluate the grid-side framework conditions and their impact on design, operation, and economic viability – including possible restrictions and leeway.
If you want to compare the achievable marketing revenues with and without BESS
We compare scenarios and transparently show what economic difference co-location is likely to make in your project compared to PV stand-alone, and which additional revenue streams/markets are accessible (e.g., balancing power markets).
If you want to determine the optimal sizing of a BESS for your individual project
We compare several design variants (power/capacity) and derive a preferred variant – suitable for your project goals and boundary conditions.
If you need a reliable decision-making basis for the next steps
Instead of gut-feeling assumptions, you receive a structured assessment of feasibility, risks, and economic viability – as a basis for investment and project decisions.
Renewable power case as basis, grid import case as upside option
For the investment decision, we first evaluate the green power case: The storage primarily uses surpluses from the PV system, and the existing grid connection is typically reused. If additional grid import capacity is possible beyond that, we support the grid application process – for example via flexible grid connection agreements (FCA), initially to a limited extent. Upon request, we consider the grey power option as an upside scenario for the future: We examine whether and under what grid-side boundary conditions additional electricity import can realistically be developed and what economic added value this could bring over time.
What you will have
in hand after the Co-Location Analysis
Clear Go/No-Go classification for Co-Location
You receive a structured assessment of whether a BESS expansion is fundamentally sensible to pursue under the current framework conditions.
Transparent overview of relevant framework conditions
We summarize the crucial points from grid, permitting, and existing situation in such a way that they serve as a reliable basis for internal decisions and coordination.
Gap list: What is missing for co-location capability?
You receive a prioritized overview of which documents, proofs, or clarifications are still required for a BESS expansion.
Variant comparison for design & operation (sizing scenarios)
We compare several design variants and derive a preferred variant – with comprehensible reasoning.
Economic viability comparison: with BESS vs. without BESS
You receive a transparent comparison of scenarios as a decision basis for investment, further development, or exit.
Robustness check: Which assumptions are crucial?
We show which drivers most strongly influence the result and how stable the recommendation remains with changed assumptions.
How the Co-Location Analysis proceeds
Kick-off & Target Vision
We clarify the initial situation, objectives (e.g., value enhancement, RtB, retrofit), and the desired time horizon. At the same time, we coordinate which variants and assumptions are relevant for your decision.
Data & Document Check (PV Status) + Review
We review the available project documents and derive which framework conditions are already set – and where information gaps exist that influence the assessment.
Grid-side classification: Options, Restrictions, Leeway
We evaluate the grid-side framework conditions and their consequences for a BESS expansion. The goal is to provide clarity on which operational and design options are realistic.
Approval & contract review, including Gap-Analysis
We examine which aspects from the permitting status and contractual situation are crucial for co-location and identify possible additional requirements. This results in a prioritized gap list (e.g., potential need for expert opinions).
Technical High-Level Concept & Variants (Sizing)
We develop a technical high-level concept for storage integration and compare several design variants (power/capacity). In doing so, we make central interfaces and technical risks transparent.
Economic Viability Assessment, Robustness Check & Recommendation
We compare scenarios (with/without BESS), transparently evaluate economic viability, and test key sensitivities. The result is a clear recommendation including next steps.
Why greentech is the right partner on your co-location journey…
Individual Review instead of Standard Calculator
Co-location projects are complex: grid connection, permitting status, contractual situation, and plant design concept differ from project to project. We assess your starting point specifically and derive realistic options for a BESS extension. This gives you a decision template that fits your project—not an average case.
Experience from own Co-Location projects
We don’t just consider co-location theoretically. greentech has already developed PV projects to co-location readiness for construction and knows typical pitfalls, dependencies, and success factors from practice. This experience directly informs the assessment of feasibility, risks, and sensible variants.
Technical and economic assessment from a single source
Our teams from Engineering, Project Development, and Origination combine technical feasibility, grid perspective, and project economics into a consistent overall assessment. This reduces interface risks, ensures consistent assumptions, and accelerates alignment.
Optional: further development to ready-to-build
If the analysis yields a positive outcome, we can also support the further development of your co-location project to ready-to-build upon request. This implementation scope is deliberately presented separately and can seamlessly follow the analysis if needed.
What you receive from the Co-Location Analysis
Results Report
with Executive Summary, assessment, and clear recommendation (Go/No-Go or preferred variant)
Overview of tested design variants
(BESS power/capacity) incl. brief justification for selection
Economic viability comparison:
PV stand-alone vs. PV + BESS (scenario comparison with transparent assumptions)
Assumptions and Parameters Overview
(e.g., CAPEX/OPEX logic, degradation/availability assumptions, relevant cost/revenue drivers)
Grid-side classification:
relevant framework conditions, restrictions, and leeway – and their impact on operation and economic viability
Permitting & Contract Review (Summary):
which points from existing assets/documents are crucial for BESS expansion
Gap List / Next Steps Roadmap:
which documents, proofs, or expert opinions may additionally be required (prioritized)
Robustness Check (Sensitivities):
which drivers dominate the result and how stable the recommendation remains with changed assumptions
CO-LOCATION ANALYSIS
Here you can download our flyer for the Co-Location Analysis
Optional: Project Development
to ready-to-build
If the potential analysis yields positive results, we can also support you, upon request, in the further development of your co-location project to construction readiness – e.g., with the coordination and supplementation of the permitting planning, the expansion of the grid connection procedure, and the preparation of building permit documents. If required, we also accompany the technical planning up to implementation readiness (e.g., detailed design), the preparation of tenders/bids, and subsequent construction and acceptance support.
FAQ: Co-Location Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions about Co-Location, Battery Storage (BESS) Expansion, and the Co-Location Analysis
What is a Co-Location Analysis?
A Co-Location Analysis assesses whether adding a battery storage system to a PV project is technically, grid-wise, permitting-wise, and economically feasible. For this, we evaluate several design and operational scenarios, transparently compare the results, and derive a clear recommendation for the next steps.
Who is the analysis particularly relevant for?
For project developers who want to evaluate co-location but lack the resources or capacity to do so themselves. And for asset managers or owners who want to examine how a BESS can increase the yield and value of an existing PV asset.
Which documents and data are required for the Co-Location Potential Analysis?
Typical documents include those related to the PV project status (e.g., layout/planning status), information on the grid connection (e.g., grid connection agreements/conditions), and existing permitting and contractual documents. If something is missing, we define in the kick-off which information can be submitted or replaced for a reliable assessment.
Is the existing grid connection contract also reviewed regarding a possible BESS expansion?
Yes. We examine which regulations and boundary conditions are relevant for a BESS expansion and what they mean for design, operation, and economic viability. Crucially, it’s not just “what the document says,” but what consequences arise from it for your project.
Is economic viability compared with and without battery storage?
Yes. A central component is the transparent comparison of PV stand-alone versus PV + BESS based on comprehensible assumptions and scenarios. This clarifies the likely economic effect of co-location in your project.
How is the appropriate BESS size (sizing) determined?
We evaluate several design variants for power and capacity and derive a preferred variant. In doing so, we consider the project-specific boundary conditions (e.g., grid, permitting, technical integration) and the economic impact.
What do "robustness check" or "sensitivities" mean?
We test how stable the result is if key assumptions change (e.g., CAPEX, price assumptions, degradation, grid fees). This shows which factors dominate the result and how reliable the recommendation remains under changed framework conditions.
Is the Co-Location Analysis already the project development up to ready-to-build?
No. The potential analysis provides the basis for decisions (feasibility, risks, economic viability, recommendation). If the result is positive, we can, upon request, subsequently take over the project development up to ready-to-build.
What typically happens after the analysis?
Depending on the result, we recommend either concrete next steps (e.g., clarifications, proofs, in-depth analyses) or a clear Go/No-Go decision. If you wish, the subsequent project development up to construction readiness can directly follow the analysis.
Must further implementation also be carried out by greentech?
No. The Co-Location Analysis is structured to serve as a basis for further project development – regardless of who ultimately undertakes the implementation.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please get in touch with our team of experts
Why work with greentech?
Years of experience
Employees active in 6 European countries
Projects in the development pipeline
Ground-mounted PV systems built
in technical consulting
in operational management
Your specialists for Co-Location Potential Analysis at greentech
Julian Linde
Team Lead Project Development
Julian Linde is a Team Lead in Project Development at greentech, focusing on the business and co-development of co-location projects with BESS integration. Before joining greentech, he spent three years in project development and financing of renewable energy projects at an international investment company. He studied economics in Mainz, Hamburg, and Strasbourg. His professional career began in investment and portfolio management.
Joern Carstensen
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
In his role, Jörn Carstensen combines the management of all technical areas of the greentech group. As CTO, he is responsible for plant construction, engineering services and technical management. The aim is to create uniform standards and processes across all technical areas at greentech, thereby ensuring company-wide synergies, high quality and the greatest possible transparency.
Jörn Carstensen joined greentech in 2014 as Business Development Manager. In addition to developing various European markets, he built up the Engineering and Technical Advisory division. From 2006 to 2014, he worked for the Conergy Group in various international corporate and business development positions. Prior to that, he worked for a consulting unit of Accenture and supported utility companies in strategic and organisational issues. Jörn Carstensen holds a degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialisation in Energy and Environmental Management from the Universities of Flensburg and Southampton.
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