Green Charge Networks’ storage solution protects commercial and industrial customers
through “peak shaving.”
Innovative companies around the country are coming up with creative ways to store solar. Here’s a look at several that caught our eye.
Storage system strengthens utility-customer relationships
Consumers want reliable power, and utilities want control over grid management and eased concern over energy delivery cost. Is there a way to make everyone happy? Stockton, Calif.-based Sunverge thinks it has the answer by combining distributed computing intelligence, advanced power electronics and battery storage in a solution that solar customers, utilities and electricity retailers can appreciate. Its Solar Integration System (SIS) provides a platform for utilities to harness to power of distributed energy. It does so by combining batteries, power electronics, and multiple energy inputs in a UL-certified appliance controlled by cloud-based software that monitors and controls distributed generation and stored energy. The unit monitors solar generated by an array, electricity demand, prices and battery capacity. Therefore the systems can coordinate with each other to react to storms or fluctuating wholesale electricity prices, and integrate with utilities to respond to demand. The SIS is a utility-grade product designed for the consumer market.Customers can see their virtual power plant and storage units. With investors like Siemens and partners like SunPower, Sunverge is definitely a store technology to watch.
Peak shaving prevents unpleasant surprises
Sunverge combines distributed
computing intelligence, advanced
power electronics and battery storage.
Many businesses pay for their electricity consumption according to the times they use it. So if their solar array isn’t producing power when they need it, and it’s during a time of peak demand (usually between noon and 6 p.m.) they may find they’re charged with high rates in their next bill. Green Charge Networks offers a solution to protect commercial and industrial customers through “peak shaving.” Its GreenStation energy storage units are installed on site and use lithium-ion batteries to store energy when there’s more than the customer can use and draw from it during times of high demand rates. Furthermore, it uses predictive algorithms based on utility and weather data to anticipate high demand and grid disruptions such as storms. With offices in California and New York, the company already has contracts with national chains like Walgreens and 7-Eleven, and offers great solutions for schools and cities too. It was even awarded DOE funding, so keep an eye out as it takes its business to the next level.
Greensmith’s GEMS IV software integrates with multiple battery and inverter types.
Flexible software for the best solutions
Greensmith can design and deploy systems from kilowatts to mulitmegawatts but its strength is its software. Its GEMS IV software integrates with 10 different battery types and 6 different inverters in multiple combinations, providing a neutral approach to energy storage system development. Greensmith partners with many other storage companies to provide deep control and integration expertise while allowing the flexibility to use the best battery/power conversion system combination for each project. GEMS IV is built on an openinformation architecture modeled after the “Open Automation Demand Response Standard” approved by the Department of Energy and easily integrates into any utility framework. Users have access to the software through an online web-portal interface, which allows flexibility in applications such as frequency regulation and following PV loads while retaining the ability to centrally control any or all units. The company already has offices in Maryland, Virginia and California. Watch as it continues to grow in 2015.