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If you are looking to manage energy costs, keep the power on during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or other type of outage, and harness the full benefit of your investment in solar energy, a battery storage system may be right for you.
Our battery storage-specific rate schedules and incentives further increase the value of an investment in battery storage for those who qualify. Visit the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).
The SGIP provides upfront and performance-based incentives to your business for installing a battery storage system. For details on eligibility, current incentives rates and to find and SGIP approved developer, visit SGIP.
View the Getting Started section below and talk to a contractor to see if a battery storage system may help your business save.
Battery storage-specific rate modifiers are available that can improve opportunities for bill savings when used with a battery storage system. These rate modifiers are available on a limited basis. Please check the associated webpages for information about these modifiers and enrollment caps.
We recommend talking with your contractor about programming the battery to meet your energy goal.
The most important step in investing in a battery storage system is choosing the right contractor to install your system and connect you to the PG&E grid. Use the following guidelines when evaluating your vendor options:
Once you decide that a battery is right for your business, you have the option to either buy or lease your battery system. Lease terms vary from 3-15 years. Be sure to fully investigate all options before selecting financing. To understand the benefits and risks of each option, explore financing options for solar and renewable energy systems. Please note: If you are planning to use your battery for backup power keep in mind PG&E customers experience, on average, less than two hours of downtime per year. Do the math ahead of time to see if it’s the right investment for you.
The PG&E Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) program provides financial incentives for commercial customers installing qualifying battery storage for more than just backup use. Consider the following to help determine if and how incentives could work for you:
For more information on available funding, incentive rates and program rules, review the Self-Generation Incentive Program.
Owning battery storage enables business customers to participate in PG&E’s Demand Response programs. Customers can receive compensation from PG&E for reducing the on-site energy usage when overall demand for electricity is highest (known as peak demand “events”). By agreeing to charge the battery system prior to these events and discharge during these events, you could financially benefit and enhance system reliability. For more information on program eligibility, rules, and deadlines, review our Demand Response program options.
Battery storage systems are generally very safe. The primary safety concern is the potential for overheating which your contractor should address through several safety measures, including:
Customers should confirm with prospective battery storage providers that all included hardware (not just the battery) meets the safety criteria of reliable third-parties. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association set safety standards for most battery storage components.
The lifespan of your battery will depend on the type of battery technology and the manner of its application. For a basic, Lithium-Ion (Li Ion) battery, warranties are usually 10 years but vary.
It’s important to discuss the maintenance of the battery with your developer before purchasing. Maintenance and repair are typically included in the purchase or lease contract.
The management software included with each battery storage system allows for round-the-clock remote monitoring and adjustment of performance. In the case of hardware failure, some battery companies receive automatic notification, and can send field service personnel out to address any malfunctions.
System size is largely dependent on the customer’s energy needs and battery technology selected. Almost every battery storage company offers a scalable technology, and designs storage systems according to a business’s energy use and site constraints. Sizes can range from taking up a small area of an existing room, to large battery containers on a rooftop or an unused outside space. Your contractor can help you select appropriate placement for the battery storage unit.
Most battery storage suppliers offer both indoor and outdoor options to suit individual customer needs. If installing an outdoor system, ensure that the battery storage enclosure is UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-certified or National Electrical Manufacturers Association-rated to meet applicable safety standards.
Your contractor will handle the installation and interconnection process. It’s a good idea to talk through the steps, costs and expectations with your contractor ahead of time. Learn more about interconnection and timelines.
Learn more about the interconnection process for multiple technologies, such as PV and storage.
Learn more about the interconnection process for Energy Storage.