Can Solar+Storage Keep the Lights On? National Analysis of Solar+Storage for Backup-Power During Long-Duration Power-Interruptions

The presentation will highlight key findings from Berkeley Lab’s examination of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems (PVESS) in backup power applications. The study assesses PVESS backup performance for every county in the U.S., as well as for 10 historical long-duration power interruption events, including major hurricanes and storm events. The results highlight some of the key considerations and constraints in providing backup to electric heating and cooling loads and challenges associated with building electrification, while also revealing resilience co-benefits of enhanced energy efficiency, load flexibility, and bi-directional electrical vehicle charging when paired with PVESS.