Scaling an energy storage system requires stacking both energy (batteries) and power (inverters). Batteries that were designed to be modular can typically be stacked without limitation. However, inverter stacking presents more challenges. The question installers must answer is at what point does it make sense to jump from a multi-inverter stack of 48V inverters to a higher voltage inverter option. Regardless of the energy storage demand, the power requirement of a project’s load profile is the most important factor when...
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A common misconception is that lead acid batteries cost less than lithium-iron phosphate batteries. However, what most fail to consider is that you have to buy many more lead acid batteries — sometimes double, triple or quadruple as many — just to reach the same usable capacity as you would achieve with far fewer lithium-based batteries. How many of these will you need to size a job properly for its lifetime? The misconception is largely due to battery manufacturers touting their...
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Beyond merely setting guidelines for battery repair and replacement, battery Warranties can serve as a valuable buyer’s guide for your next energy storage project. As the old adage advises, “it’s all in the fine print!” Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation Location: If the Warranty specifies coverage limitations related to the temperature in which the batteries are installed, you know that you’re limited to an indoor installation location, which may present challenges in terms of available space in a home or garage....
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With extreme weather events, wildfires and other threats to energy security increasing in number and duration, homeowners from coast to coast and businesses from Main Street to Wall Street are contending with an ever-present danger of losing access to reliable power supplies. Beyond emergency scenarios, utilities in California have also begun instituting “public safety power shutoff” blackouts during high-wind conditions to prevent power lines from causing more fires. A 100 percent solar + storage powered clinic at Burning Man. According to...
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Throughout the United States, utilities are now applying rate structures to residential customers’ electricity bills that have historically been reserved for commercial and industrial customers only. These new rate structures, such as time-of-use (TOU) and peak demand, are significantly increasing electricity bills for residential, commercial and industrial customers alike, and will continue to do so for years to come — not to mention California SB 700, which will result in nearly three GW of energy storage systems at schools,...
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With wildfire danger continuing to escalate, California utilities have begun to implement blackouts to reduce fire-risk during high wind events. In October 2018, with 50+ mph winds forecast across the Bay Area, Pacific Gas & Electric shut off power in extreme fire-risk areas of six Northern California counties cutting power to tens of thousands of customers, and was prepared to turn off electricity in all or parts of an additional 6 counties. PG&E, Southern California Edison and SDG&E continue...
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