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This expert panel discussion, hosted by Tim Montague of the Clean Power Hour and sponsored by Chint Power Systems, explores how commercial facilities can implement solar, battery storage, and building management systems to lower energy costs. The webinar focuses on a case study of Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota in California, featuring a 451 kW rooftop solar project paired with a 125 kW/279 kWh energy storage system.

Panelists
Ryan Ferrero - National Director at Freedom Solar
Casey Miller - CEO of Elexity
Anton Patton - VP of Product Management at CPS America

Key Discussion Points
Financial Benefits of Solar + Storage
Ryan Ferrero emphasized that while environmental benefits are a bonus, the financial argument is what drives adoption
Converting energy savings into income streams rather than just reducing expenses
Leveraging investment tax credits, bonus depreciation, and available grants
Solar + storage can multiply ROI by a factor of 3+ compared to solar alone

Building Management Systems Integration
Casey Miller shared how solar alone is no longer enough in many markets due to utility rate changes
Utilities have introduced peak demand charges and time-of-use energy charges that limit solar's effectiveness
Elexity's approach combines battery storage with load control (managing HVAC, EV charging)
The system can provide customers payback periods as low as 3 years in California

Technology Advances
Anton Patton discussed how string inverter technology has evolved for both solar and storage
Improvements in remote monitoring capabilities reduce the need for on-site troubleshooting
Integrated, turnkey solutions have replaced earlier "Frankenstein" approaches where components were cobbled together
Liquid cooling for batteries has replaced traditional HVAC units for better efficiency

Case Study: Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota
Implemented a phased approach starting with rooftop solar and white TPO roof
Added Elexity's building management system to optimize energy usage
Installed battery storage to store free solar energy or cheap off-peak energy
System now effectively manages the dealership's high air conditioning demands during hot Southern California summers
One-day installation for load control with no permits required, while solar installation proceeded in parallel

How the Elexity System Works
Revenue-grade meter installed to mirror the utility meter
Connection to solar output and direct battery control
For HVAC control, supervisory signals sent to thermostats within customer-set guardrails
AI engine makes real-time decisions based on weather forecasts, solar output predictions, and utility pricing
Pre-cooling the facility during periods of high solar output to avoid peak demand charges later
Benefits Beyond Energy Cost Reduction
System health monitoring identifies underperforming HVAC units that need repair
Elimination of "dumb energy mistakes" (e.g., AC running over weekends when no one is present)
Potential participation in grid service programs that generate new revenue (one customer received a $30,000 check)
Single platform to manage all energy systems in the building

Conclusion
The panelists emphasized that implementing these technologies doesn't have to be as complex as it might seem, especially with turnkey hardware solutions and good software controls. While utility rate structures continue to evolve, combining solar with storage and intelligent load management creates a powerful solution for commercial facilities looking to reduce energy costs and gain more control over their energy usage.

Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-ferrero-0453551a/
https://freedomsolarpower.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseytm/
https://www.elexity.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-patton-71323043/
https://www.chintpowersystems.com/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/