Battery Storage

How Energy Storage Works

Energy storage systems are designed to charge when excess electricity is available from your solar system. Energy storage systems can also be charged from the electric grid however at this time, the NYSDERDA rebate is only available to those Residential Battery Storage Systems paired with solar and enrolled in a Demand Response Program(1) with the Utility. 
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​The battery chemistry most common with homeowners is Lithium-ion.

Solar battery installations

Solar with Storage:The Basics by Energy Queensland

A battery storage system looks like a box mounted on the wall or a small cabinet. Generally, a storage system will be placed near your home’s circuit breaker panel in the basement, on the wall of a garage, or attached to your house.
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​Your home will still be connected to the electric grid during everyday operation. However, if the electric grid goes out, your backup storage system will continue without interruption. It will be configured to electrify critical functions like heat, refridgeration, lighting, and a few electrical outlets, without needing a backup generator.

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The Benefits of Home Batteries

If the Power Goes Out, Will the Battery Power My Entire Home?

Like a backup generator that runs on gas, the battery storage system will be configured based on essential appliances in your home.  Battery configuration includes an estimate of the outage duration and the needs of your household and is part of the installation plan.  The battery installation professional will help you determine how to configure the circuits in your home during a blackout.  The configuration would include heating or cooling, refrigeration, lights, and some kitchen circuits; enough to live comfortably in your home during an extended electric grid outage after a major storm.  The storage will need to recharge from the solar system when your home is in Island(2) mode during an outage.  Again, your installation contractor will help size the system to best meet your needs.

Pairing Energy Storage and Solar

By pairing solar projects with energy storage, you can store electricity produced from your solar panels for future use. In recent years, residential energy storage systems have declined in cost, making it more affordable for you to combine these two technologies. By installing storage on your home, you can increase your resiliency to power outages and reduce the cost of your electric bill.

Benefits of Pairing Solar and Energy Storage

A battery storage system offers independence from the utility grid. You can access stored power during grid outages and save money on your electric bill by participating in utility load relief programs also referred to as: Demand Response and Peak Shaving. In addition, the current federal tax credits for both the energy storage and solar is currently 26%.

Demand Response Programs

The electric distribution utilities and the wholesale system operator, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), offer programs to customers to reduce electricity usage when demand on the network is highest. Known as Demand Response programs, they help avoid overload, reduce emissions, and avoid expensive equipment upgrades. Residential energy users can enroll in a Demand Response program and receive payments for reducing the use of electricity from the grid during periods of highest electricity demand. These periods of extreme energy use usually occur on the hottest days in the summer.
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You may be familiar with PSEGLI’s Smart Savers Thermostat Program: “You can receive $85 if you have a central air conditioning system and install a qualifying smart thermostat that allows PSEGLI to make minor, short-term adjustments to your air conditioning that reduce power use during periods of high demand for electricity. That reduces strain on the electric system and saves you money. In most cases, you won’t even notice adjustments to the central air conditioning system and you’ll always have ultimate control. Beginning in the second year of participation, you may also receive an additional $25 each year you participate.”

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What is Demand Response? Video credit: Honeywell Home.

Energy Storage Rewards Program

The Energy Storage Rewards Program is PSEGLI’s program for residential battery storage. “As a participant in the Energy Storage Rewards Program, you agree to supply power from your batteries to your home or grid a few times each year—we call these instances an “event”. By participating in these events, you are rewarded with an annual payment for up to 10 years.”

​The details of which will soon be available from your installation contractor.