Energy storage can enable wider deployment of distributed generation

Global adoption of distributed energy storage can enable wider deployment of distributed generation (DG), such as rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and small-scale wind generation systems. Accelerated deployment of grid-tied storage, including battery-based Community Energy Storage (CES) and other innovative systems, can help electric power utilities meet the “20% by 2020” renewable energy use mandates many central governments have enacted. But meeting these mandates also necessitates more widespread deployment of both grid-scale and distributed renewable energy resources. By co-locating distributed storage and DG, electric utilities can realize major benefits, including a significantly improved ability to offset the variability characteristic of renewable output.