Retail and hospitality businesses rely heavily on stable electricity. Power outages, peak tariffs, and voltage fluctuations can adversely impact sales, refrigeration, POS systems, and overall customer experience.
Rubikon specializes in designing and installing commercial solar PV systems with battery energy storage (BESS). These solutions help reduce energy costs, protect essential equipment, and ensure your business remains operational during outages without the noise or fuel associated with generators.
Page Contents
Who this is for
Retail
Solar energy solutions for:
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Shopping malls and retail centers
- Convenience stores and local shops
- Retail warehouses and logistics hubs
Hospitality
Solar PV systems for:
- Cafés, coffee shops and bakeries
- Restaurants and pizzerias
- Dark kitchens and catering hubs
- Hotel restaurants and food courts
What Problems We Solve
- High electricity consumption during the day
- Power outages that disrupt POS systems, refrigeration, and lighting
- Peak loads from HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment
- Voltage instability that can damage sensitive electronics
- Rising and unpredictable electricity tariffs
Our systems are designed to maximize self-consumption, stabilize power quality, and provide backup where it is most needed.
Typical Commercial System Sizes
| PV Size | Typical Use Cases | Roof / Carport Area | Backup Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kW | Café, bakery, small store | 120-150 m² | Optional BESS |
| 50 kW | Restaurant, supermarket | 200-260 m² | BESS 10-20 kWh |
| 100 kW | Large restaurant, retail hub | 400-520 m² | BESS 20-40 kWh |
| 200 kW | Mall, food production | 800-1000 m² | BESS 40-80 kWh |
| 300+ kW | Retail chain / central kitchen | 1200+ m² | Scalable BESS |
*cost depends on roof structure, inverter brand, mounting type, BESS capacity and local grid requirements.
PV-Only vs. Hybrid Solar Solutions (PV + BESS)
PV-Only (On-Grid)
- Ideal for locations with infrequent outages.
- Maximizes savings through daytime energy generation.
- Requires a lower initial investment.
Hybrid (PV + Battery Storage)
- Ensures business continuity during power outages.
- Offers peak shaving and load prioritization.
- Provides protection for point-of-sale systems, refrigeration, and IT equipment.
- Reduces dependency on generators.
We assist you in selecting the optimal configuration based on your load profile and grid conditions.
What Can Run on Backup (BESS)
Retail Critical Loads
- POS systems, scanners, and payment terminals
- Refrigerated display cases and cold rooms
- Emergency and security lighting
- Networking and CCTV systems
Hospitality Critical Loads
- POS and kitchen control systems
- Refrigeration units and freezers
- Ventilation and lighting systems
- Selected kitchen equipment, prioritized by importance
The duration of backup power depends on the capacity of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the prioritization of loads.
How We Work
- Initial consultation and energy usage review
- On-site inspection and system assessment
- Technical design and cost modelling
- Installation scheduled around academic calendars
- Monitoring, maintenance, and support
Why Choose Rubikon
- 50+ energy projects delivered
- Proven experience with 10-500 kW+ systems
- Engineering-first approach (load profile + electrical reality, not “generic kits”)
- Financing strategy support
- Technical audit and tailored system architecture
- Quote in 24 hours, quick installation
- Turnkey EPC: design → installation → support
- Transparent pricing: fixed budget, no hidden costs
FAQ
Yes. Most projects reach payback within 4-6 years, depending on consumption profile and battery use.
No. PV-only systems work well where outages are rare. BESS is recommended when downtime equals lost revenue.
Typical BESS provides 8-24 hours of critical loads, depending on capacity and prioritization.
We integrate panels into roofs, façades and carports to enhance – not damage – architecture.