How can on-site solar PV & energy storage improve sustainability?

To achieve sustainability goals while meeting the increasing electricity demands of electrification, organizations are pairing on-site solar PV generation with on-site energy storage. These systems, which are considered as “behind-the-meter” (BTM) systems, allow facilities to maximize the benefits of on-site renewable generation.

Do on-site solar systems work everywhere?

However, many on-site systems simply can’t scale large enough to cover full consumption needs, so they typically only cover a percentage of the facility’s needs, relying on traditional electricity to cover the deficit. They also don’t work everywhere as solar and wind resource varies from location to location, as well as incentives and rebates.

What are the benefits of an on-site solar PV system?

For the scenario represented in the graph, an on-site solar PV system allows the facility to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the grid during the middle of the day. Increasing the amount of solar PV production on-site can provide additional cost and emission reductions and resiliency benefits for facilities.

Do off-site solar and wind projects work everywhere?

They also don’t work everywhere as solar and wind resource varies from location to location, as well as incentives and rebates. Large energy consumers are increasingly looking to procure their renewable energy from off-site projects.

What are on-site renewables?

First, let’s define each. On-site renewables, aka direct, are “behind the meter” systems at a specific location, providing energy on-demand or via on-site storage (i.e., batteries). These are typically financed, owned, and managed by the company themselves.

Can on-site storage be used alongside solar PV?

If a utility restricts the exports from a facility to the grid, the use of on-site storage alongside solar PV can provide a solution to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, thus increasing the feasibility of larger on-site PV installations.