Energy Storage Subsidy System

How do state energy storage incentive programs differ?

• State energy storage incentive programs vary greatly in both program structures and incentive rates. The differences in structure—for example, rebates vs performance payments —make it very difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons from state to state. • It is difficult to establish consistent parallels between rates and outcomes.

What are the different types of energy storage incentives?

In addition, there are other types of energy storage incentives that have been tried. For example, storage may be added to existing renewable programs, such as solar incentive programs, or be made eligible for market-based programs such as utility renewable portfolio standards (RPS).

Are there state-level incentives for solar energy storage?

To date, state-level performance incentives for storage have typically been added to solar incentives. Perhaps the best-known state-level storage incentive in the US is California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). SGIP provides a dollar per kilowatt ($/kW) rebate for the energy storage installed.

Are state incentives necessary to increase distributed storage deployment?

• Despite all these variables, numerous studies as well as experience have shown that until energy markets mature, battery prices fall, and currently non-monetizable energy storage services become monetizable, state incentives are a necessary and critical key to increasing distributed storage deployment.

What incentives should be offered for battery storage?

To provide the broadest set of options and make battery storage widely accessible, incentives should be offered for both owned and leased systems as well as other models, such as power purchase agreements and community storage models, that satisfy equity requirements. Commercial vs. Residential Battery Incentives

Are incentive rates good for energy storage?

For example, New York offers relatively low per-kWh incentive rates, but its programs are nearly fully subscribed. By contrast, Connecticut offers relatively high incentive rates but its residential program has been under-subscribed. • Incentive rates alone do not convey a comprehensive economic story for energy storage in a state.