Unlocking the Value Stack of Solar + Storage in PJM with David Braun | EP195

Clean Power Hour

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 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).
Key Takeaways

• Understanding the "value-stack" of energy storage 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.

David Braun
Intelligent Generation

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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. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com