Introduction Understanding what Owner’s Engineering is only answers half the question. The harder part for a system owner is knowing exactly when to bring that expertise into a project. Renewable energy assets are built to perform for 25 to 30 years, and the decisions made in the first few months of a project can lock […]
The 2026 version of NFPA 855, Standard for Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, was released on September 9th, 2025. NFPA 855 is considered the go-to resource for installing and maintaining BESS projects. While it isn’t an enforceable code in most jurisdictions, the 855 standard is often cited and referred to by jurisdictions, manufacturers, engineers, […]
One thing I’m particularly passionate about is working on and looking at old automotive technology. My latest passion project has been an old Mercedes, which, while beautiful, has a few frustrating components and systems that have been a pain. I’m often left scratching my head, wondering “what in the world was this for?” or “why […]
ERCOT is experiencing a physics problem in real time. This issue arises from the increased demand placed on the grid by large power consumers, such as AI data centers, crypto mining, or massive EV charging hubs. These demands are growing faster than the infrastructure can be upgraded to accommodate them. Strengthening community ties can transform […]
What & When Despite retaining the title, “Standard Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems,” UL 9540A has gotten a makeover. In its sixth edition, this performance standard spells out the testing protocols for a more expansive evaluation of the failure mode that fire officials, AHJs, and community representatives have […]
Having been involved in hundreds of microgrid projects leads to some emerging patterns. It takes a lot of effort to make a project happen. Oftentimes, projects can go sideways because it takes so many different parties to take a project from ideation to operation. Without a holistic view of the microgrid journey, projects are bound […]
The new Code book is here! The new Code book is here! The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is now available. And while many of you may not be as excited as I am, it’s always a significant event to see the updates and changes to the NEC every three years. This […]
Introduction and Context within the Commercial and Industrial Market As new technologies and renewable energy solutions emerge on the market, the task of derisking them falls to a cadre of stakeholders. Recent failures involving stationary, lithium-based battery energy storage systems (BESS) are devastating in many ways, but they also offer valuable feedback and motivation to […]
A microgrid is one of the most discussed system types in commercial and industrial renewable energy right now, and for good reason. This guide covers microgrid fundamentals for PV system designers and electrical engineers: what a microgrid is, the four features that define one, and what a microgrid can actually do once it is built. […]
This is an article about grid-tied battery energy storage systems (BESS), but first, let’s rewind to 2007. At the time, Motorola, Nokia, and Blackberry were dominant players in the fast-growing mobile phone market, with exciting new features such as integrated cameras and QWERTY keyboards. Then came the first iPhone, and everything changed. From flip phones […]
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