The Rise of Energy Storage Solutions: Battery Systems for Commercial Real Estate

Written By: Jesse King

Data centers, EV adoption, building electrification, and increasingly unpredictable weather have been wreaking havoc on our electricity grid. Thanks to the convergence of all these new factors, national demand for electricity has been growing at an alarming rate and is starting to show up in electricity rates.  Utility rate payers have noticed these higher prices, which in Oregon have spiked by almost 50% over the last 4 years, according to KGW reporting.  As we see these costs continue to increase, many building owners are seriously considering adding solar panels plus battery storage systems to help manage costs associated with their ongoing operations.

In the last few years, there have been remarkable advances in battery storage technology for buildings that allow for seamless, two-way communication between the building and the electric grid. Utilizing this technology in building design can bring both environmental and economic benefits to the building. During peak energy use periods, the grid often relies on less efficient and more polluting power sources like natural gas. Because of this even a Net Zero building, which generates as much power as it uses, may still rely on carbon intensive power from the grid when solar alone is not enough to meet the building’s demand.

With advanced battery storage, the system can communicate with the grid and optimize when to switch over to battery power when the grid relies on more carbon intensive and/or expensive sources. Then, at night, when the grid has lower demand and is powered from cleaner, renewable sources like wind and hydro, batteries can refill with power from the grid. Additionally, some utilities offer “Time of Use Billing”, where power is cheaper during periods of lower demand; and/or utility Demand Response programs, where incentives are provided incentives for using less power during critical grid events - using a solar plus battery storage system can save money too.

By storing energy during off-peak times and using it during peak times, battery systems help reduce the overall demand on the grid. This not only supports grid stability but also reduces the need for utilities to invest in additional infrastructure to meet peak demand. Battery storage systems enhance grid resiliency by reducing loads and providing redundancy in the form of backup power during outages. This is especially important for commercial buildings that need to maintain operations during power interruptions. With a reliable battery system, you can ensure that critical functions continue without disruption.

Utility efficiency programs may offer incentives for businesses looking to install solar plus battery storage systems. These incentives can significantly offset the initial costs, making it more affordable to adopt these advanced energy solutions. The Energy Trust of Oregon can now cover 100% of a solar plus battery storage feasibility study for commercial buildings, which is the first step in any solar project. If you are interested in assessing your new or existing building to find out its solar plus battery storage potential, there has never been a better time to get started.  Reach out to info@waypoint-energy.com to learn more.