Battery Energy Storage Systems in NYC

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are a crucial component of resilient solar and distributed generation systems. Pairing solar with battery energy storage systems (BESS) maximizes the impact of solar energy, yet in New York City there remain challenges to getting battery energy storage systems approved. Battery storage increases energy resilience and minimizes the intermittency of solar energy, contributing to a more flexible grid. Solar needs storage to fully maximize its impact and effectiveness reducing emissions and increasing reliability on the grid. As a relatively new technology with rapidly expanding adoption, battery storage systems continue to face policy challenges to installation.

In New York City, there are limited options for installing battery storage systems due to restrictions from local AHJs. While the FDNY has come a long way in recent years approving batteries for usage in the city, the permitting process remains slower than permitting solar projects alone. In the last few years, changes in FDNY code have improved the approval and permitting process for ESS. The city still needs to streamline the process and allow for faster and more efficient BESS approvals. 

Permitting Requirements

Due to the density of NYC, FDNY has stringent requirements to address fire safety concerns associated with BESS. Lithium-ion, flow batteries, and lead acid batteries installed in NYC must be UL 9540 certified and have undergone UL 9540A Testing which is a testing method that evaluates thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems. The certification and testing requirements are a key component for lithium-ion battery storage permit approvals. These requirements limit the type of batteries that can be installed in NYC.

Currently lead acid and lithium ion are the most common battery chemistry options for approved use in New York City. With so many battery types available on the market, other options will hopefully be approved for use in NYC in the future. Indoor battery systems tend not to be approved even with an FDNY variance application due to increased fire safety concerns. A challenge that remains is a lack of understanding from AHJs of the nuances of the different types of the battery technology which can occasionally delay the permitting process.

Permitting for solar + storage projects is fairly involved with battery storage systems requiring applications and approvals from the NYC DOB, FDNY, and ConEdison. Battery projects must receive OTCR approval (L-ION, flow, lead acid and valve regulated lead-acid batteries), electrical permit, construction permit, FDNY approval, and utility approval to install and closeout the project. For utility interconnection, battery systems under 5 MW can be approved through a standard interconnection review with larger systems sometimes requiring a full CESIR. 

Zoning

While the NYC zoning resolution does not include energy storage, the NYC Planning Commission has classified energy storage as allowed in some residential districts (R1-R2 & R3-R10)  and in commercial and manufacturing districts by special permit (including C1, C2, C4, C5, C6, C8, & M1, M2, & M3). Energy storage system design requirements are district dependent and include adhering to specifications such as lot height limitations on rooftop installations, property setbacks, enclosures & screenings, other special provisions as dictated by environmental hazards such as flood zones and more. Per zoning code, depending on the kWh capacity of the system, smaller battery systems are considered accessory to a zoning lot's primary use. For systems on rooftops & in other open spaces, batteries are also considered accessory mechanical equipment as well as a permitted obstruction. If an ESS has an electrical load greater than the electrical load of the zoning lot multiplied by 10 hours, the ESS is considered non-accessory. Larger battery systems may also require additional FDNY approval. 

NY Climate Goals

Looking ahead, New York State has set strong targets for both solar and storage and NYC has an important role in reaching these targets. It is clear that battery storage is a crucial component in the deployment of solar and other DG sources across the grid. According to SEIA, by 2025, almost 25% of all behind-the-meter solar systems in the US will include storage, a significant projected leap from under 6% in 2020.  According to IRENA, energy storage globally is anticipated to increase by 40% annually until 2025. As per the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York State has set targets of 70% renewable electricity by 2030, with 1,500 MW of storage by 2025 and 3,000 MW by 2030. Increased installed capacity of solar with battery storage is essential to meeting these goals, which is why streamlined permitting & approval processes coupled with greater variety of approved battery types are crucial to successful deployment of solar & storage across the NYC grid.

How Sologistics Can Help

Looking to expedite your solar + storage projects in New York City? Work with Sologistics to have your solar + storage projects reviewed and permitted. Sologistics will take you through the process including planset review, obtaining OTCR & FDNY approvals, permitting and project closeout, guiding you through each step of the process. Schedule your free consultation with our experts. 

Sources
https://nysolarmap.com/solarplusstorage/storage-101/
https://nysolarmap.com/media/2153/zoning-guide_final_11182021_v2_12_31.pdf
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/bldgs_bulletins/bb_2020-023.pdf
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/bldgs_bulletins/bb_2019-002.pdf
https://nysolarmap.com/media/2041/fire-safety-testing-data-analysis-supplement-for-nyc-outdoor-ess_v1.pdf
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Energy-Storage
https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data
https://www.irena.org/newsroom/articles/2020/Mar/Battery-storage-paves-way-for-a-renewable-powered-future