Oct. 7 Battery Energy Storage Systems Virtual Workshop

Throughout the United States, homes, businesses, and other properties are increasingly installing battery energy storage systems (BESS), typically paired with solar PV. Join the Sustainable Energy Action Committee (SEAC) for a virtual workshop on the codes, standards, safety, and risk considerations when permitting BESS.

We will review the technology, model codes, UL 9540 safety standard, UL 9540A fire testing, Power Control Systems (PCS), and common issues with permitting, plan review, and inspection of BESS. Panelists will also address questions on portable batteries and multifamily application of BESS.

The workshop is designed for building departments, fire departments, designers, installers, and manufacturers. Attendees may receive 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the International Code Council (ICC). The sessions will include ample time for Q&A, so please bring your questions and concerns.

Building Energy Storage Systems: Codes, Standards, Safety, and Risks

Virtual Workshop Oct. 7, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT

Moderator: Steve Jones, Senior Regulatory Engineer, Codes and Regulatory Service, UL Solutions

9:00 a.m. Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Overview of Workshop Structure

9:05 a.m. Snapshot of SEAC

9:10 a.m. Session 1: Navigating ESS Safety, Risks, and Codes

As ESS become increasingly common, understanding the associated risks and safety regulations is critical. Join our expert panel for a focused dive into ESS safety, covering everything from physical lifecycle logistics to the complex fire codes governing safe installations. This session provides installers, inspectors, and system designers with the exact knowledge needed to ensure compliance and mitigate hazards.

Attendees will hear from:

Charles Picard, Regulatory Compliance Engineer, Tesla

• The ESS Lifecycle
• Understand developing rules regarding physical logistics of ESS, safety protocols and best practices for transport, storage, commissioning, and decommissioning, as well as the challenges of end-of-life recycling.

Kevin Reinertson, Retired Division Chief, California OSFM/RCFD

• Fire Codes & Standards Overview
• Decode the regulatory landscape. Get a clear breakdown of the International Fire Code (IFC), including the new 2027 IFC Chapter 43 and International Residential Code (IRC), NFPA 855, NFPA 800, and the growing questions surrounding portable BESS and multifamily BESS projects.

Jeff Spies, President, Planet Plan Sets

• Residential and Commercial ESS Code Requirements
• Navigate practical installation rules for one- and two-family dwellings. Learn the IRC and IFC Chapter 1207 requirements for sizing, siting, spacing, vehicle impact protection, and fire detection, plus when to apply Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA) by a Fire Protection Engineer (FPE).

9:50 a.m. Q&A

10:00 a.m. Break

10:05 a.m. Session 2: UL 9540 & UL 9540A (6th Edition): Understanding Large-Scale Fire Testing and ESS Installation Approval

Join industry experts as they discuss the evolving role of UL 9540 and UL 9540A in ESS safety. Topics include the SEAC Informational Bulletin, common ESS permitting and installation challenges, key differences between UL 9540 listing and UL 9540A testing, and the enhanced focus on large-scale fire testing in the 6th Edition of UL 9540A. Attendees will gain practical guidance on interpreting UL 9540A reports and understanding what AHJs, designers, installers, and fire officials should evaluate when reviewing ESS projects.

Attendees will hear from:

Zak Wellman, Test and Quality Engineer

• SEAC Informational Bulletin

Jason Bobruk, Director, Codes and Standards, Enphase Energy

• Common Issues, Challenges, and Improvements

Robert Marshall, Senior Regulatory Engineer, Codes and Regulatory Services, UL Solutions

• Difference between 9540 and 9540A
• Overview of 9540A test procedure—what it is, what it’s not
• When AHJs/installers should look at a 9540A report and what they should look for

11:10 a.m. Q&A

11:20 a.m. Break

11:30 a.m. Session 3: Permitting, Plan Review, and Inspection: Residential BESS and PCS

This session will focus on residential BESS for one- and two-family homes. Join this panel to learn how to review equipment certification, examples of what documentation should be included in permit applications, how to verify documentation and review of emergency shutdown, smoke detectors, and PCS.

Attendees will hear from:

• Dara Yung, Director of Codes, Standards, and Permitting, California Solar and Storage Association
• Doug Harvey, Lead Regulatory Engineer, Codes and Regulatory Services, UL Solutions; Former Building Official
• Mark Rodriguez, Chief Engineering Officer, SolarAPP Foundation

12:10 p.m. Q&A

12:20 p.m. Break

12:25 p.m. Session 4: Open discussion

Panelists from the three sessions will participate in an open discussion. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments.

12:55 p.m. Concluding remarks

1:00 p.m. Close

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