We’ve spent a lot of time discussing renewable energy and the possibilities of a “green” smart grid that includes solar, wind, and distributed energy. But what about energy storage? An integral part of any efficient power system, energy storage not only supplies backup power for mission critical systems, it also helps with peak shaving and balancing costs based on supply and demand.
Finally, energy storage is starting to get some attention: A new bill introduced by US Representative Mike Thompson (D-Yolo County) would provide a 30% tax credit for the purchase of thermal energy storage systems for both homes and commercial facilities. In a statement, Thompson emphasized the importance of including energy storage in the mix when it comes to planning national energy policy, “Distributed energy storage technologies are also a great way for our country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels. Just as important, the jobs created by the manufacture and installation of these new technologies would come at a critical time for the US economy.”
Under Thompson’s bill, anyone who purchases an energy storage system would be eligible for incentives and tax credits. The hope is that encouraging energy storage will inspire customers (both residential and commercial) to increase their use of renewable energy, especially with solar allowing consumers to store energy during off-peak hours for use at times when grid-supplied power is more expensive.
So what do you think? Is energy storage being given enough attention considering the role it must play in any smart grid infrastructure? Can incentives like the ones proposed in Thompson’s bill remove some of the barriers that prevent the widespread adoption of new energy technologies like wind and solar? And can something as simple as tax rebates help a community (and the country) achieve greater energy reliability while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels?