Standard Solar and Solar Grid Storage have installed one of the first commercial-scale microgrids in the US.
It consists of a solar PV array connected to an energy storage system that interacts with the grid – it’s located at Konterra Realty’s Maryland headquarters.
The "islandable" microgrid system is powered by a 402 kilowatt solar PV system, and in the event of a grid power outage, a lithium-ion energy storage system kicks in to keep critical operations going.
The canopy solar array, which covers two electric vehicle charging stations with room to grow, supplies 20% of the building’s electricity.
"Widespread implementation of grid-connected energy storage systems is key to solar PV becoming a mainstream energy supplier," says Tony Clifford, CEO of Standard Solar.
The system has the potential to reduce PV project costs and offers benefits to hosts including backup power, demand reduction and peak shaving. Moreover, it can enhance grid reliability by helping balance the grid through frequency regulation, volt-ampere reactive (VARs) compensation, and demand response services.
The project is financed by the Kingdon Gould Jr. family and supported through a Maryland Energy Administration "Game Changer" Grant. This competitive grant Program provides cost-sharing grants for innovative clean energy technologies that advance the market in Maryland.
Projects are funded based on their ability to help Maryland meets its Renewable Portfolio Standard of 20% by 2022.
"Advancing our energy storage infrastructure builds greater confidence in Maryland’s grid resiliency," notes Abigail Ross Hopper, Director of Maryland’s Energy Administration. "Grid storage technology also improves the delivery service of our first responders, armed services, telecommunications, waste water treatment plants, and emergency shelters."
Standard Solar has been named one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for three consecutive years by Inc. Magazine. It provides full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems. Recently, it also began offering energy efficiency and energy management services in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Solar Grid Storage was founded by a group of solar veterans to supply batteries that can provide storage for commercial solar PV projects. It uses a storage-as-a-service model, costing virtually nothing to the host.
Loading...