CivicSolar now offering Sharp’s SmartStorage to its solar installer network

Any solar installers interested in moving into the commercial energy storage space may want to check this out: CivicSolar is now offering Sharp’s SmartStorage energy storage system through its vast distribution network.

Sharp’s intelligent energy storage solution paired with solar PV systems works to reduce energy usage for commercial properties. Sharp’s SmartStorage system is designed to pull power from the SmartStorage batteries rather than from the utility at the times of highest demand (which are the most expensive rates) and is particularly suited for properties in parts of California where commercial utility customers are paying up to 50 percent of their energy bills toward demand charges. Channel Lumber paid $172,385 in demand charges alone over a one year period.

Sharp’s SmartStorage system is available with a 10-year demand reduction performance guarantee and asset management service agreement.

Details on first project

120 kW, 160 kWh Sharp SmartStorage system at Channel Lumber in Oakland.

Sharp and CivicSolar’s first project will be with technology developer and systems integrator Forecast Energy. The project features a 120 kW/160 kWh SmartStorage system plus a 313.5 kW solar system and Forecast Energy’s proprietary forecasting platform that has been installed at Channel Lumber, one of the largest lumber companies in the Bay Area.

“It’s a privilege to have been selected by Forecast Energy for the Channel Lumber project and by CivicSolar as a distribution ally, which will see them promote our SmartStorage system to their network of 3,500 customers,” said Carl Mansfield, General Manager and Founder of Sharp’s U.S. based Energy Systems and Services Group. “CivicSolar will broaden our reach to their vast network of customers in the solar industry and will bring our SmartStorage solution to customers that are facing expensive peak demand charges. We anticipate teaming with both CivicSolar and Forecast Energy on future solar plus SmartStorage projects.”

A detailed analysis of Channel Lumber’s energy usage profile estimates that the solar plus SmartStorage system will bring $160,466 in energy and demand savings annually – an estimated 62 percent reduction in Channel Lumber’s total bill. Forecast Energy selected Sharp’s SmartStorage system and was the integrator and installer for the entire project.

“After evaluating a number of systems, we chose solar plus Sharp’s SmartStorage energy storage system because it provides our customer with better, cleaner power along with greater flexibility in their energy management and it integrates incredibly well with our solution stack,” said Paul O’ Sullivan, COO of Forecast Energy. “We are thankful for the team at CivicSolar for bringing us high quality and industry-leading energy products, and in this case a reliable, brand-name solution backed by a 10-year performance guarantee, giving us confidence in our selection.”

Solar+storage: What’s holding back solar systems with energy storage?

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/civic-solar-now-offering-sharps-smartstorage-to-its-solar-installer-network/]