Duke Energy Renewables has formed partnership with Green Charge Networks, a provider of commercial energy storage for retail, industrial and government customers.
The agreement provides these customers with “solar firming,” the company says, which will allow customers to “to smooth the peaks and valleys of a variable energy source.” It also saves customers money by offsetting the higher prices of peak demand power.
Green Charge Networks, based in Santa Clara, Calif., will work closely with solar provider REC Solar to market energy storage systems with REC’s solar projects.
Initial focus will be on the Southern California and Hawaiian markets.
Duke Energy acquired a majority interest in REC Solar and energy management company Phoenix Energy Technologies earlier this year.
The company also has plans to offer other energy management systems for those customers seeking a complete and integrated energy savings platform.
With a combination of lithium-ion battery technology and predictive software, Green Charge systems will draw power from the REC Solar system and the grid during off-peak hours, when electricity is inexpensive, and release it during peak hours, when electricity is more expensive.
“Energy storage is the ideal complement to REC Solar’s offering, helping customers get the most out of a sustainable resource, securing their investment through solar firming and lowering energy costs,” said Vic Shao, CEO at Green Charge Networks.
“By partnering with the largest electric power holding company in the United States and REC Solar, we add momentum to our domestic expansion plans,” Shao added.
Rajani Baburajan