Energy Storage Systems
Energy storage systems (ESS) are growing in popularity and present numerous benefits to consumers, including resilience in the face of extreme weather or other causes of power outages. ESS can also help the electric grid accommodate growing amounts of renewable energy, like solar and wind, by storing the energy from these variable sources for use when it is most needed.
This page compiles resources to address code and technical challenges to ESS deployment.
SEAC has several working groups actively developing solutions to support the development and use of energy storage projects. They include the Storage Snapshot Working Group, the Storage Fire Detection Working Group, the ESS Standards Working Group, the Vehicle Impact Protection Working Group, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) Working Group.
SEAC Resources
- UL 9540A Fire Test Standard for Battery Energy Storage Systems shares insight on why testing begins as the cell level and, depending on results, it may proceed to the module level, the unit level, or the installation level.
- NEC Disconnect Requirements for Energy Storage Systems answers questions about isolating energy storage systems and disconnecting them in compliance with the 2017 and 2020 National Electrical Code.
- National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines help local governments develop an efficient and streamlined permit process for typical solar PV and storage projects, reducing unnecessary delays and cost while ensuring compliance with nationally recognized safety standards.
- National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Inspection Guidelines help local jurisdictions and contractors inspect simple photovoltaic (PV) system and energy storage system (ESS) installations where only a basic review is necessary.
- Comments on Proposed Changes to UL 9540 for Energy Storage Systems summarizes eight proposed modifications put forward by the ESS Standards Working Group for UL’s safety standard for energy storage systems and equipment.
- Residential Energy Storage Systems Under 2021 International Residential Code clarifies requirements for product safety standard listing, code required marking, and allowable locations.
- Residential Energy Storage Systems Under 2018 International Residential Code clarifies requirements for product safety standard listing, code required marking, and allowable locations.
- Recommendations to Clarify Heat Detector Requirements in the International Fire Code addresses a code language error in the 2021 International Fire Code requiring an interconnected heat detector in residential garages with ESS.
- Vehicle Impact Recommendation for the 2021 International Fire Code seeks to clarify the requirements for protection of storage systems from vehicle impact in residential garages in the 2021 International Fire Code.
- Comments on Proposals to UL 1973 Battery Safety Standard presents recommendations from the Storage Standards Working Group, approved by SEAC on July 22, 2021.
