For installers of solar power installations, residential customers need to be briefed on their case for installing a solar power system and the accompanying deployment of an energy storage system to help them make a purchase decision that suits their needs. The following are five tips for making users aware of the benefits of energy storage systems.

1. Capitalising on market trends 

Anyone interested in deploying an energy storage system (ess) will have seen the explosive growth of this market in recent years. Over the past ten years, the production of lithium-ion batteries has increased dramatically, making energy storage systems more common in residential and commercial applications. 

However, supply chain issues caused by the new crown epidemic may cause concern for potential users. According to data released by American Clean Energy, the US energy storage market grew in the fourth quarter of 2022 despite a temporary setback, making it the best year of development to date. Installers should see this trend as an opportunity to educate residential customers about the deployment of energy storage systems and strengthen their confidence in their decision to deploy residential battery storage systems. For a growing number of customers, the question is not "if" they will deploy but "when" they will deploy.

2. Introducing the benefits of energy storage system (ess)

Installers must highlight to household customers the many benefits of residential energy storage systems. As seen in places such as California, USA, grid operations can sometimes be unreliable due to several factors, including high temperatures, excessive energy consumption and other natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires. The use of battery energy storage systems reduces dependence on the grid and allows residential customers to store energy for later use, particularly useful in situations where power outages last for long periods. 

Residential customers should also be aware that energy storage batteries provide power in an emergency and reduce their daily electricity bills. Householders can specify when, where and how they want to use their energy. It is essential to emphasise that battery storage systems can store energy for use during peak periods when electricity prices are at their highest. 

If sustainability is a priority for residential customers, it is essential to emphasise that battery energy storage systems can store clean energy power. Doing so can help residential users make informed decisions that benefit both their personal needs and the environment so that they can feel good about their choices as they feel they can do their part to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

3. Emphasis on existing financial incentives 

Many US states have implemented or are in the process of implementing incentives related to energy storage deployments, such as New Jersey and Massachusetts. New York State recently released a roadmap to deploy 6GW of energy storage systems by 2030, allowing the state's existing incentives in the retail market space to continue. 

The US passed the Disinflation Act in August 2022, which provides residential customers with the opportunity to receive a 30% tax credit for their deployment of eligible energy storage projects when applying to the IRS. Whereas the tax credit for residential battery energy storage systems is currently uncapped, additional incentives may be offered at the state and federal level in the US in the coming years as the current market demand grows. 

Helping residential customers understand the incentives is another valuable service that installers can provide. For example, California has long been considered the leading state in the US for adopting clean energy solutions, yet in December 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission passed a proposal that significantly reduces the potential cost of installing solar power systems. And in California, almost all solar power installations are accompanied by the deployment of battery energy storage systems.

4. Enhance cost savings 

When communicating with users, installers must emphasise the ongoing cost savings they can achieve with a battery storage system. It is also vital to ensure that the quotes provided are within their budget.

Residential customers can also get quotes directly from the solar battery manufacturer's website, such as STARLIGHT, and over time, those who install energy storage batteries will save even more money.

5. Promote the three "E" 

When communicating with users, three key points need to be shared - ease of installation, ease of use and ease of vision. Some battery residential energy storage systems can be easily installed and deployed in conjunction with existing solar power facilities or connected directly to the grid. Energy storage systems are cleaner, quieter and more aesthetically pleasing than fossil fuel or diesel generators.