What are the benefits of energy storage?

There are four major benefits to energy storage. First, it can be used to smooth the flow of power, which can increase or decrease in unpredictable ways. Second, storage can be integrated into electricity systems so that if a main source of power fails, it provides a backup service, improving reliability.

What are energy storage systems?

Energy storage systems play a critical role in balancing the supply and demand of energy, especially for intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar power. Energy storage technologies include batteries, pumped hydro storage, thermal storage, and others, each with its own specific advantages and benefits.

Why should commercial and industrial customers install energy storage systems?

There are several benefits for commercial and industrial customers to install energy storage systems at their facilities. Some of the advantages of commercial power storage include:

How much does energy storage cost?

Let’s explore the costs of energy storage in more detail. Although energy storage systems seem attractive, their high costs prevent many businesses from purchasing and installing them. On average, a lithium ion battery system will cost approximately $130/kWh.

Why do companies invest in energy-storage devices?

Historically, companies, grid operators, independent power providers, and utilities have invested in energy-storage devices to provide a specific benefit, either for themselves or for the grid. As storage costs fall, ownership will broaden and many new business models will emerge.

Is it profitable to provide energy-storage solutions to commercial customers?

The model shows that it is already profitable to provide energy-storage solutions to a subset of commercial customers in each of the four most important applications—demand-charge management, grid-scale renewable power, small-scale solar-plus storage, and frequency regulation.