EAST TAWAS – Lithium ion batteries are employed in many household items, from cell phones to solar arrays. As their use increases, firefighters will have to face them more often
The coronavirus pandemic brought the broader economy to a halt, but the energy storage industry didn t get the memo.
Instead, developers made this year the biggest ever for battery installations in the U.S. More capacity is going into homes than ever before, helping families make better use of rooftop solar investments and keeping the lights on during outages. Large-scale projects reached new heights, including LS Power s completion of the largest battery in the world, just in time to help California grapple with its summer power shortage.
Just a few years ago, energy storage was a niche item, something people built in the very few locations where a higher force compelled it. Now, utilities across the country are using batteries to solve numerous grid problems and planning far more for the near future. And the most boisterous of power markets, Texas, has finally broken open for storage developers, with major projects already underway.