Who should consider adding energy storage to a commercial building?

This guide is intended for anyone investigating the addition of energy storage to a single or multiple commercial buildings. This could include building energy managers, facility managers, and property managers in a variety of sectors.

Are energy storage systems safe for commercial buildings?

For all of the technologies listed, as long as appropriate high voltage safety procedures are followed, energy storage systems can be a safe source of power in commercial buildings. For more information on specific technologies, please see the DOE/EPRI Electricity Storage Handbook available at:

Is energy storage a viable option?

Assuming the initial analysis shows that energy storage is an economically viable option, the final decision to procure an ESS needs to be taken in the broader perspective of the business as a whole. This can include looking at issues of space, noise, and timing for system installation.

Who should oversee energy storage projects?

A qualified professional engineer or firm should always be contracted to oversee any energy storage project. This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government.

What is energy storage?

Basics of Energy Storage Energy storage refers to resources which can serve as both electrical load by consuming power while charging and electrical generation by releasing power while discharging. Energy storage comes in a variety of forms, including mechanical (e.g., pumped hydro), thermal (e.g., ice/water), and electrochemical (e.g., batteries).

Can energy storage be used as a generator?

Energy storage can provide a cleaner, quieter alternative to conventional gas or diesel generators in case of a grid outage. However, an ESS cannot be refueled the same way as a conventional generator. As such, some facilities will only use the ESS for critical loads, integrate some form of renewable generation, or pair it with a generator.