What is a community solar + storage project?

The community solar + storage project allows customers to buy electricity for a lower rate than the utility, while providing more valuable generation to the grid. Energy storage can also be installed in campuses or multifamily buildings and shared among the tenants.

Are community energy storage systems a good investment?

As previously mentioned, most community energy storage projects in the United States are distribution sited and utility owned. The community indirectly benefits from cost-effective investments that reduce system costs. There is also the potential for distribution sited storage systems to improve local reliability and resiliency.

Are community energy storage projects community owned?

While this definition could enable several use cases, in practice most community energy storage projects feature direct utility ownership and control; they are not community owned. However, other models are emerging that tie the asset more directly to the community.

What is Community Energy Storage (CES)?

Community energy storage (CES) is one of the recent advanced smart grid technologies that provide distribution grids with lots of benefits in terms of stability, reliability, quality, and control. As it benefits both customers and utilities, this technology has become a crucial element of recent microgrids.

Can community energy storage be adopted at the local level?

Energy storage in particular can be adopted at the local level due to the flexible and scalable nature of the technology. As a result, with the wider adoption of community solar, interest in community energy storage (CES) is growing.

What is community storage & how does it work?

Community storage offers a pathway for tenants to invest in energy systems without the ownership prerequisites. For example, a single storage system could help multiple users manage demand charges or be paired with PV to encourage self-consumption.