California is the most dynamic U.S. market for behind-the-meter (BTM) energy storage, as high energy and demand prices make storage one of the most financially attractive energy projects C&I customers can undertake.
California Energy Commission (CEC)’s Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) Program incentivizes the construction of cleaner distributed energy assets that would serve as on-call emergency supply for California’s electrical grid during extreme events. The DEBA’s first-ever Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) solicitation – totaling $150M – will support adding energy storage to existing solar projects, among other efficiency upgrades and capacity additions and is now open for application. Stem will aim to help you multiply the value of your existing power generators by applying for the GFO and adding energy storage.
The CEC’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) Program offers incentives to electricity customers that provide load reduction and backup generation by discharging batteries during Program event hours. The Program’s Market-Aware Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Battery Storage Pilot aims to support California’s grid during extreme events from May 1 to October 31, reducing the risk of power outages. Participants are paid based on the kW of capacity delivered during the highest cost hours of an event day. As an aggregator, Stem can provide the necessary optimization and management of BTM battery storage systems needed to reduce electricity usage during peak demand periods.
California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides financial incentives to organizations for installing battery energy storage on-site. These incentives usually cover half or more of equipment and installation costs which supplements the 10-30% utility bill savings energy storage systems typically deliver. Energy storage can also provide several hours of backup power in the event of grid outages, which have become more common in California amid worsening heat waves and wildfires. As an approved SGIP provider, Stem will operate your energy storage system to maximize your SGIP performance incentive and achieve required GHG reductions.
Title 24 is California’s building energy code that affects all new construction within the state. The most recent update requires all new commercial and mixed-use developments to obtain a minimum required amount of solar PV and storage based on Climate Zone and conditioned floor area.
Stem has developed an easy-to-use Title 24 Calculator to help you determine your specifications for Title 24 and how to gain the most value out of this new requirement. When you share your results with Stem, we work with you to determine the best battery size for your building so you gain the most value. Click here to learn more about our Title 24 Calculator.
Option S is a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) tariff designed for customers with storage. Customers’ demand charges are split between a monthly demand charge and a daily demand charge. The daily demand charge, billed according to a customer’s daily peak demand, creates an additional cost savings opportunity for energy storage systems (ESS). Energy charges are consistent with those under PG&E’s solar-friendly Option R tariff.
Stem has helped reduce customers’ utility bills by 10-35% and generated a 30% return on investment (ROI) on the ESS. Option S is ideal for “peaky” loads over 400kW with low load factors. Examples of optimal load types include EV charging, aggregates and mining, heavy industrial, food processing, and arenas and event centers. Fill out the above form to learn more.
To comply with EV mandates and take advantage of available EV incentives, operators of commercial fleets are investing heavily in charging infrastructure. Stem’s Athena-integrated EV charging offering uses smart energy storage to help these organizations achieve their clean energy goals and maximize utility bill savings. Click here to learn more about our integrated solar + storage + EV charging solution.
The application process for incentives and programs can be challenging to navigate. It can also be difficult to design effective storage systems that meet both organizational needs and incentive or program requirements – anything from standalone storage to complex solar + storage microgrids.
Stem is a global leader in AI-driven energy storage systems, with more than a decade of experience partnering with organizations and developers to realize hundreds of successful projects. We helped create California’s energy storage market and remain a leading storage provider to the state’s commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.
If you’re interested in capitalizing on California’s incentives and programs, contact Stem today. As a longtime storage pioneer and California market leader, our experts would be happy to answer your questions, help you determine which incentives you qualify for, and design an ESS that works for you.
Featured Case Study: Water Treatment Plant
This energy storage system, installed by Stockmans at a water treatment plant in San Bernardino County, California, will provide backup power in line with state resilience and climate goals. It will also provide significant utility bill savings by reducing the facility’s demand charges and shifting energy use to off-peak times.
Read MoreSystem Size:
464kW / 1856kWh
If you have a Showpad login for Stem University
Access Stem University Here
If you do not have a Showpad login for Stem University
Register Here