How can on-site solar PV & energy storage improve sustainability?

To achieve sustainability goals while meeting the increasing electricity demands of electrification, organizations are pairing on-site solar PV generation with on-site energy storage. These systems, which are considered as “behind-the-meter” (BTM) systems, allow facilities to maximize the benefits of on-site renewable generation.

Can on-site storage be used alongside solar PV?

If a utility restricts the exports from a facility to the grid, the use of on-site storage alongside solar PV can provide a solution to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, thus increasing the feasibility of larger on-site PV installations.

What is solar energy storage & how does it work?

Energy storage allows solar energy to be deployed at all times of the day or night, making the electricity grid more flexible to changes in demand. Solar coupled with battery storage also improves grid resiliency by providing a backup energy source for homeowners and businesses when storms or other emergencies cause a power failure.

What is solar-plus-storage?

Solar-plus-storage can be integrated into a community’s Solarize campaigns, which are group purchase programs that allow for solar energy installations at discounted rates. More information on Solarize campaigns can be found in the Market Development and Finance section of this toolkit.

Is solar energy a viable alternative to battery storage?

Solar energy is an attractive, emissions-free alternative that can be paired with battery storage to operate during power outages. Many communities are exploring solar-based microgrids, small portions of the grid designed to be capable of operating in an islanded mode with local generation and storage resources.

How can solar and battery storage improve grid resiliency?

Solar coupled with battery storage also improves grid resiliency by providing a backup energy source for homeowners and businesses when storms or other emergencies cause a power failure. Local governments have many tools at their disposal to help encourage solar and battery storage in their communities.