Are there subsidies for energy storage projects

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).

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.

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.

Do energy storage developers offer financing?

While many energy storage developers offer financing, it can be helpful for the state to provide public financing options that can be marketed to income-qualified customers and historically underserved communities (for example, low- or no-interest loans that do not require high credit scores to qualify).

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 are the benefits of energy storage projects?

Energy storage projects will improve the reliability of transmission and distribution systems, especially in traditionally high-energy cost rural areas; more efficiently supply energy at peak periods of demand on the grid; and increase use of existing equipment, postponing or eliminating the need for costly upgrades.