Battery Storage Systems

[pv_n00b]

Do you know where to find out if this is legal or not? Is there a state/local law that would dictate this? I would think contacting the utility would be the best route but its hard to get ahold of someone on the phone that would know whenever I call SCE, LADWP or SDGE.

It will be in the interconnection requirements the utility provides. Usually, you can just get these from their website.

 

[jaggedben]

Do you know where to find out if this is legal or not? Is there a state/local law that would dictate this? I would think contacting the utility would be the best route but its hard to get ahold of someone on the phone that would know whenever I call SCE, LADWP or SDGE.

In addition to what pv_noob said, in California this is mainly governed by CPUC regulation. At the top there are also some laws, for example the one that requires utilities to permit net-metering. The CPUC is generally directed by the law to flesh out the details. The utilities in turn come up with their interconnection application forms and processes that are supposed to follow CPUC decisions. There are also utility rules, approved by the CPUC, which prohibit interconnected equipment without permission. PG&E's rules, for example, can be found on this page, but don't expect me to remember which ones speak to this issue.

I can't cite chapter and verse off-hand, but to my knowledge there is no law or regulation requiring utilities to accept interconnection applications for systems like what you're proposing. However, non-export is a thing. There may or may not be wiggle room for storing energy during off-peak and using it to power the load during peak hours. However, I believe the net-metering laws that permit export only apply to eligible renewable energy generator, which a battery alone is not.

 

[analog8484]

It seems ESS projects will get more complicated and more expensive soon with UL 9540 second edition.