The financial advantages and energy savings of electrical battery storage for businesses, government agencies and industrial operations will be examined during a free half-day workshop sponsored by the CSE on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The commercial use of on-site electrical storage is gaining widespread attention in California with the support of recent state legislation mandating its use and an increased availability of substantial rebates.
This type of energy storage employs advanced battery systems and sophisticated computer software controls that allow commercial consumers to better manage electricity consumption and reduce utility costs, primarily by avoiding high peak demand charges. These systems also can ensure power reliability, even during disruptions of grid service, and improve the economic performance of solar photovoltaic systems by storing electricity for use when the sun isn’t shining.
“The promising outlook of cost reductions in energy storage technologies coupled with new rebate opportunities are driving more businesses and governments to consider the benefits of storing electricity for on-site consumption,” said Rebecca Feuerlicht, CSE's Self-Generation Incentive Program manager.
About the workshop
“Energy Storage Opportunities for Business and Government” will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the SDG&E Energy Innovation Center at 4760 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Admission is free and lunch will be provided for those who register here.
Janice Lin, cofounder and executive director of the California Energy Storage Alliance, will lead a panel discussion of industry experts from energy storage manufacturers Stem, Sunverge Energy, CODA Energy, Tesla Motors and Green Charge Networks. Case studies of systems installed in the San Diego region will be presented.
Incentives for clean energy
CSE administers the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in the SDG&E service area. Through SGIP, the center provides rebates for clean energy technologies, including energy storage, that pay for up to 60 percent of the cost of installed systems.
The SGIP was recently extended through 2020, with $83 million per year authorized statewide for “behind the meter,” or on-site, generation technologies, including stand-alone energy storage systems and those paired with solar or other distributed generation systems.
