Earn, save, protect - energy storage is revolutionizing the way we think about and utilize electricity. Batteries are no longer just backup power sources - they have become assets capable of providing a multitude of services to the grid and customers. Earn - you can literally turn a battery into a cash machine by providing ‘ancillary services’ to the grid operator with your battery. Save - you can reduce demand and capacity charges by using the battery to discharge during peak load hours/days. Protect - you can use a battery as a source of backup power during grid outages. Together, this ‘value stack’ is the enchilada that customers are feasting on in many markets across the US and around the world.
In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews David Braun, VP of Sales and Marketing at Intelligent Generation, about how adding battery storage can unlock additional value and revenue streams for behind-the-meter solar projects in PJM territory through this "value stack."
They discuss concepts like energy arbitrage, capacity charge reduction, ancillary services, and resilience. The value of each depends on local energy market rules and tariffs. David explains how Intelligent Generation's software platform optimizes battery dispatch to maximize savings and earnings. This can improve solar project economics by 6-12 months (In Tim’s experience this is a very conservative assessment - you can often 3x the value of a project by adding BESS).
David shares real-world examples like G&W Electric and ABT Electronics that built microgrids with solar, storage, and generators to avoid costly outages. He emphasizes bringing in Intelligent Generation early to help model storage benefits. Their sweet spot is larger commercial and industrial sites.
This episode offers a compelling exploration of the rapidly evolving energy storage landscape, showcasing the cutting-edge solutions that Intelligent Generation brings to the table to unlock the full revenue potential of storage systems.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the "value-stack" of energy storage, which includes energy arbitrage, reducing capacity/transmission charges, providing ancillary grid services, and enhancing resilience.
Importance of partnering with companies like Intelligent Generation early in project development to properly size and model the financial benefits of adding energy storage to solar projects.
Recognizing the unique value propositions and revenue opportunities that energy storage can unlock in different energy markets (e.g., PJM, MISO).
Staying informed about rapidly evolving battery incentives, tariff structures, and regulatory landscapes across different regions.
Recognizing the importance of specialized energy storage expertise and partnerships in successfully developing and operating behind-the-meter solar-plus-storage projects.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-braun-a9163616/
http://www.intelgen.com/
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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/
0:00 Intro
3:03 David's Background & Journey to Intelligent Generation
7:57 Understanding the "Value Stack" of Energy Storage
16:35 Case Study: Attacking Capacity & Transmission Charges
22:15 Microgrids & Resilience Value
32:36 Advice for EPCs & Developers on Solar+Storage
36:55 Outro
