Protecting Critical IT Infrastructure from Power Cuts and Maximising On-Site Renewable Energy

Introduction

A commercial facility housing mission-critical IT infrastructure required a dependable power backup solution to guard against grid outages. To prevent costly downtime, data corruption, and hardware disruption, the site needed a battery backup system capable of keeping essential IT hardware running smoothly during a power cut, while making full use of the building's existing rooftop solar PV installation.

At the core of the solution is a Callidus pre-built Victron power system, manufactured, programmed, and tested in our workshop before dispatch to site. Combined with 117 kWh of high-capacity Pytes V12 battery storage and an external automatic transfer switch, the system ensures seamless business continuity whenever the local mains grid fails.

The Problem

Unplanned power cuts present severe operational risks to commercial enterprises, particularly those hosting business-critical IT infrastructure. Beyond immediate operational disruption, sudden losses of power can cause server corruption, hardware damage, and extended recovery windows.

Standard grid connections leave facilities vulnerable to unexpected mains failures. The customer required an automated backup solution capable of sustaining high-priority IT loads across extended power cuts. However, executing a complex electrical integration entirely on site creates challenges:

• On-Site Installation Risks: Assembling and wiring intricate power control equipment on site increases installation time, labour costs, and potential operational downtime.
• Existing Solar Integration: The customer already had an operational rooftop solar PV array. Installing a completely separate, standalone generation setup would have added unnecessary expense and complexity.
• High Continuity Requirements: IT infrastructure requires stable, dependable power conversion that transitions smoothly during a power outage without dropping critical server loads.
  

The challenge was to design an energy storage system that seamlessly combines battery power with existing solar generation, while shifting complex equipment assembly away from the site.

The Solution

To deliver the required resilience, Callidus engineered a coordinated commercial energy storage platform centered on Victron power conversion and high-density lithium battery storage.

117 kWh Pytes V12 Lithium Battery Storage

The system incorporates 117 kWh of Pytes V12 lithium battery storage, providing a substantial energy reserve. This storage capacity provides the necessary buffer to maintain essential IT infrastructure during power cuts, supporting long-duration backup power when grid electricity is unavailable.

Callidus Pre-Built Victron Power Board

At the heart of the system is a Victron Energy inverter/charger system built onto a Callidus pre-assembled power board. By designing, mounting, and wiring the inverter and control architecture in the Callidus workshop, the primary electrical infrastructure was manufactured and fully tested prior to delivery.

External Transfer Switch

An external transfer switch was incorporated into the system architecture. During a mains power failure, the transfer switch automatically transitions the site's critical IT systems onto battery-backed power, guaranteeing continuous operation without requiring manual intervention.

Making Better Use of Existing Rooftop Solar

Rather than treating energy storage and renewable generation as separate systems, the solution was configured to work directly alongside the site's existing rooftop solar PV installation.

• Normal Grid Operation: Solar generation directly supports daily electrical demand and contributes to the battery management strategy, reducing grid energy dependence.
• Extended Grid Outages: The combination of 117 kWh battery storage and active solar PV generation significantly extends the period for which critical IT systems remain operational.
  

Built by Callidus. Installed by Our Trade Partner.

A key element of this installation was the divided workflow between Callidus as the system manufacturer and our trade partner as the site installer.

The Victron power system was engineered, assembled, and pre-built by Callidus at our facility. Moving complex system assembly into a controlled build environment allows for thorough quality control, precise wiring, and comprehensive system testing before equipment leaves our workshop.

Once delivered to site, our trade partner carried out the physical installation, including battery positioning, AC grid connections, external transfer switch integration, and final site commissioning. This collabourative model reduces site assembly time, minimizes disruption to ongoing commercial operations, and ensures exceptional quality control throughout the build.

System Highlights at a Glance.

• Battery Storage: 117 kWh Pytes V12 high-capacity lithium battery bank
• Inverter / Charger: Victron Energy multi-phase power conversion platform
• System Architecture: Callidus pre-built custom power board
• Grid Transition: External transfer switch for automatic backup during power cuts
• Renewable Integration: Direct coupling with existing commercial rooftop solar PV
• Primary Application: Business continuity and protection for critical IT infrastructure
  

The Outcome

The completed commercial energy storage installation delivers robust resilience, keeping business-critical IT systems operational when the grid goes down. The installation achieves key operational objectives:

• Uninterrupted protection for critical IT servers and core infrastructure during grid outages.
• Automatic transition onto backup power via the integrated external transfer switch.
• 117 kWh of stored energy providing extended runtime during prolonged power cuts.
• Effective solar integration that turns existing rooftop generation into an active asset during outages.
• Reduced on-site installation risks through Callidus workshop pre-building and factory testing.

What Commercial Projects Should Establish Before Choosing Battery Backup

Selecting a commercial energy storage or backup power system requires a clear evaluation of site demand and operational priorities. Before specifying equipment, commercial site owners and installers should establish:

• Critical vs Non-Critical Loads: Identify which essential circuits (such as servers, security, or refrigeration) require uninterrupted power versus non-critical loads that can be isolated.
• Peak and Continuous Demand: Differentiate between short-duration peak demand and continuous kilowatt load requirements to size the inverter/charger correctly.
• Battery Storage Autonomy: Calculate required backup runtime in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on average load consumption and expected grid stability.
• Existing Solar Integration: Determine total generation capacity, inverter type, and coupling points to ensure renewable energy actively supports the backup strategy.
• Transfer Switching & Response Time: Confirm whether automatic transfer switching is required to maintain zero-downtime performance during mains failure.
• Physical Space & Environmental Conditions: Assess floor loading capacity, space requirements, temperature controls, and cable routing for large lithium battery banks.
• Workshop Pre-Building vs Site Assembly: Evaluate whether a workshop pre-built power board approach can streamline installation and reduce site labour.
  

Planning a Commercial Energy Storage System?

An accurate load profile is the essential starting point for any commercial energy storage or off-grid power project. Equipment schedules, peak loads, continuous demand, and existing generation capacity all inform the ideal architecture.

Callidus Trade Ltd designs and builds bespoke containerised power systems, pre-built Victron power boards, and commercial battery storage solutions for businesses, trade partners, and agricultural operations across the UK. As official UK distributors for Victron Energy and Pytes Energy, Callidus provides expert design, factory assembly, and dedicated technical support.

Contact Callidus Trade to discuss your load requirements, solar integration, and backup power objectives: 

• Telephone: 01626 563563
• Email: admin@callidustrade.co.uk
  

Disclaimer: All commercial electrical and energy storage systems require project-specific design, protection, installation, and commissioning by competent persons. Performance depends on the final load profile, operating strategy, site conditions, and renewable generation.