What is community energy storage?

Community energy storage refers to an energy storage system located within a community with defined boundaries.

Is community solar a community storage project?

Community solar projects are sometimes referred to as community storage projects due to their growing popularity. However, most community storage projects are currently owned and/or operated by utilities. It can be challenging to capture the exact meaning and location of community storage.

Why should communities invest in energy storage systems?

Communities can allocate resources to invest in energy storage systems that serve two purposes: providing backup power during outages and assisting in maintaining a balance between local energy supply and demand. The equilibrium is crucial for the incorporation of intermittent renewable energy sources like as solar and wind.

Do community energy storage projects have socio-economic challenges?

Community energy storage [Fig. 11] projects encounter several socio-economic [Fig. 12] obstacles that can influence their execution and achievement. A significant obstacle is the need to engage and gain acceptance from the community, as there may be community members who are not in favor of energy storage projects in their vicinity.

How can community energy storage improve performance?

Community energy storage faces many challenges that must be overcome for broad acceptability and optimal performance. They could leverage an intelligent, adaptable energy storage system with advanced control algorithms and communication technology.

Will community storage grow in new markets?

With the deployment of new resources and lessons learned from existing projects and programs, the seeds of community energy storage may begin to grow in new markets over the coming years. Joseph “Seph” Petta and Erica McConnell are attorneys for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council through Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP.