Photo: YESS Power
Share
Solar developers need to consider four main factors when selecting a BESS integrator. Here are insights from the team behind the Western Balkans’ largest storage facility.
As renewable energy capacity continues to grow rapidly across Southeast Europe, the efficient integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is becoming a key factor for both grid stability and the economic viability of solar projects. In this context, selecting the right BESS integrator is increasingly a strategic decision for solar project developers.
Beyond the initial equipment cost, several key criteria can significantly influence a project’s long-term performance and profitability.
YESS Power, the energy storage solutions brand of the Turkish group Topkapı Endüstri, recently announced its intention to enter the Romanian market following the successful delivery of one of the most significant energy storage systems in the Western Balkans. The project contributes to grid stabilization and to optimizing the value of renewable energy generation.
“The integration of advanced storage solutions is essential for the economic viability of utility-scale solar projects and for the stability of energy systems,” said Emre Jabban, Business Development Manager at YESS Power, a silver sponsor of the upcoming Belgrade Energy Forum 2026.
According to company representatives, there are several essential factors developers should consider when selecting a provider of energy storage solutions.
Technology provider quality
One of the most important aspects is the technology itself and the equipment manufacturer behind it. In utility-scale storage projects, developers typically prioritize batteries from Tier-1 manufacturers, which provide high standards of performance, safety and reliability.
A relevant example is the 30 MW / 60 MWh solar-plus-storage project delivered near the Novaci solar plant in North Macedonia, where YESS Power partnered with Chinese battery manufacturer Cubenergy. The system was designed to improve grid flexibility and maximize the utilization of renewable energy generation in the region.
Cubenergy is listed among BloombergNEF Tier-1 global energy storage manufacturers, ensuring strong technical standards, bankability and reliable supply chain support. The collaboration between YESS Power and Cubenergy forms part of a broader strategic partnership covering Türkiye, the Western Balkans and parts of Eastern Europe.
Experience in managing energy projects
A BESS installation is not simply a piece of equipment, but complex infrastructure that must be optimally integrated into the overall energy project. For this reason, the integrator’s experience in similar energy projects is an important factor.
Integrators that have already worked on the installation, operation and maintenance of storage systems typically have a better understanding of the interaction between generation assets, grid infrastructure and storage technologies. This experience can reduce implementation risks and improve system performance over the long term.
Within the North Macedonia project, YESS Power delivered full engineering, installation, commissioning and after-sales support for the storage segment.
Lifecycle service and support
Another essential criterion is the integrator’s ability to provide services throughout the entire lifecycle of the project. Energy storage systems require continuous monitoring, predictive maintenance and periodic software updates to ensure optimal performance.
YESS Power’s parent Topkapı Endüstri has more than 40 years of experience in power plant engineering and industrial energy systems
Beyond technology, operational capability and long-term service capacity are increasingly important for developers. YESS Power benefits from the engineering and operational expertise of its parent company, Topkapı Endüstri, which has more than 40 years of experience in power plant engineering and industrial energy systems.
The company’s energy division currently includes 27 engineers and around 40 service technicians, supporting activities across engineering, installation, commissioning, monitoring and maintenance. This technical structure allows YESS Power to offer long-term service agreements and ensure reliable system performance throughout the lifecycle of large-scale storage installations.
Attention to the implementation phase
In large-scale energy projects, the implementation phase is often where the most complex technical and logistical challenges arise. As a result, the integrator’s ability to manage this stage effectively is crucial.
Developers frequently prefer working with integrators that can provide a flexible approach and direct involvement throughout all stages of the project, from design and system integration to commissioning.
A new standard for solar projects
As energy markets become more volatile and electricity networks must accommodate increasing volumes of renewable generation, the integration of energy storage solutions is quickly becoming a standard component of modern photovoltaic projects.
YESS Power expects BESS investments across the region to accelerate in the coming years, driven by the continued expansion of renewable energy capacity and the growing need for flexibility within national power grids.
The company also expects several new BESS and hybrid renewable-plus-storage projects across the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe to move into execution phases within the next 12–24 months, reflecting the rapidly growing demand for storage solutions in regional markets.
Be the first one to comment on this article.