Combining grid friendliness with economical goals: optimal battery storage operation under different end-user electricity and feed-in tariffs

Abstract This work examines the effects of different end-user electricity and feed-in tariff models on the cost-optimal operation of private battery energy storage systems. The tariff models are based on spot market prices and are compared to flat end-user electricity and feed-in tariffs. For end-user electricity tariffs, spot market-based energy prices are assumed, and for feed-in tariffs, the remuneration is spot market-based. Additionally, time-of-use grid charges, which incentivize consumption at midday and during night, are added to the comparison. In a case study, a household with a photovoltaic system and a battery storage is optimized for minimum costs over one year. The battery operating strategies under the different tariff models are compared, and the resulting total costs are evaluated. Furthermore, the impacts of the different operating strategies on the low-voltage distribution grid are assessed. Simulation results reveal a potential for cost savings for all tariff models compared to flat tariffs, if the household adapts the battery operation accordingly. Furthermore, both market-based end-user electricity and feed-in tariffs have the potential to reduce grid impacts of photovoltaic systems. Market-based feed-in tariffs make feed-in around midday unattractive, and market-based end-user electricity tariffs discourage electricity use from the grid in the evening. On the other hand, time-of-use grid charges were found to have only minor effects on both costs and grid impacts.