Community batteries are local energy storage units, that belong somewhere between home batteries and utility-scale farms. Supporters of this new technology see it as a way for consumers to secure their interests by sharing the costs. The best way to investigate this matter is to first ask what is a community battery, and then take it from there.
What Are Community Batteries, Stripped of the Hype?
Community batteries are larger versions of the individual ones that consumers purchase and own. They provide energy security for their owners during grid outages. But they can also pay for themselves, by selling stored energy to the utility during peak demand.
We answered your question of what is a community battery, but this begs another one, where do communities keep them? Well, community batteries typically support around say 250 homes, and are about the size of a small city auto. The best location could be right next to your local grid transformer.
Numerous Benefits Available from Community Batteries
There are numerous advantages to installing one of these batteries in your community, assuming the numbers add up according to Community Directors:
- Optimize the return on the solar energy that community members capture with panels.
- Reduce the size of the energy bills that community members pay to their grid utility.
- Help the grid utility become more sustainable, by providing an alternative to peaking turbines.
- Democratize the green economy, by sharing these benefits with the entire community.
Practical Issues Holding Back Community Storage
Now you know what is a community battery, and what the potential benefits are for you and your neighbors, the next question is where do you go from here. This exciting opportunity requires grid support to take off, and a deep understanding of the technology on the ground.
Begin by creating a neighborhood network of like-minded people, who would like to pay less for their electricity. Then open dialogue with your local utility. You never know what is possible until you try. We would love to share your success story here, on this blog.
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Support For Community Batteries Powers Up
