Energy as a revenue model, not as a cost item

Energy as a revenue model, not as a cost itemFor most real estate owners, energy appears on the balance sheet as a cost item. That’s logical—it’s how it has worked for years. But the same installations can also generate money, provided you use them smartly. Three models we are already deploying for owners and property managers. Revenue model 1: a revenue-generating charging forecourt A charging forecourt is more than just a facility. With the right control system, it starts generating money for you. At a fashion outlet, there was a familiar puzzle: forty charging bays, a great solar roof, yet visitors had low charging capacity at peak times. A 100 kW battery, linked to the solar panels and with smart control on the poles, solved it. Result: an additional 30,000 kWh per year charged energy—around €5,400 extra annual margin on the same connection. A recurring amount that directly shortens the payback period of the investment.

How this works can be read in making money with your charging points and in our update on three energy schemes to keep an eye on in 2026. Revenue model 2: a battery that unlocks square metres Sometimes the profit isn’t in new income, but in real estate that can finally be leased. At Pettelaarpark in Den Bosch, the connection was fully utilised. Meanwhile, 2,000 m² in the building was waiting to be brought into use. A larger connection? Not possible. A battery costing less than €100,000 breathed new life into the existing connection: 2,000 m² extra lettable space, a payback period of under a year, and two new tenants. The investment paid for itself before the lease contracts had even ended. Revenue model 3: supply tenants directly and move with the market The third model strengthens the first two:

• You can supply your own generation or storage directly to tenants using a tariff that is more attractive on both sides than the market: for tenants, a predictable bill; for you, additional revenue from an installation that is already in place.
• But the real surprise lies in moving with the market. With a battery and smart control, you respond to price fluctuations: store when prices are low, use when they’re high, or export. Our algorithm predicts the most favourable moments, thereby shortening the payback period of your investment. We’ll show you how it works and what it delivers in practice live at Provada. Read more about it in the article: grip on prices and delivery.

How to get started Every situation is different. What works for your portfolio depends on your profile, your tenants and your ambitions—and that is exactly what we’ll work through with you at Provada. See you at Provada Which model fits your portfolio? We’ll only know once we understand your situation. Come by at stand 11.41, or book a free conversation in advance. We have more to tell than what’s stated here.