June 27, 2013 - Standard Solar today announced the installation of a grid-interactive energy storage system co-located with a new photovoltaic (PV) array, creating one of the nation's first commercial scale micro-grids.

Located at Konterra's corporate headquarters in Laurel, MD, this islandable micro-grid system is powered by a 402kW solar PV array. In the event of a grid power outage, the Solar Grid Storage advanced lithium-ion energy storage system allows critical circuits at Konterra to remain energized. The project is financed by the Kingdon Gould Jr. family and supported through a Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) "Game Changer" Grant.

"Widespread implementation of grid-connected energy storage systems is key to solar PV becoming a mainstream energy supplier," said Tony Clifford, CEO of Standard Solar. "As one of the nation's first commercial micro-grids, this project can truly be a game changer for PV. Not only does it provide backup power to Konterra, it also supports grid integrity and allows for participation in ancillary markets for electricity. The commercial potential of grid-based solar storage is enormous and we are honored to be leading the way in partnership with Solar Grid Storage, MEA and Konterra."

The system has the potential to reduce PV project costs and offers new benefits to hosts including backup power, demand reduction and peak shaving. Moreover, the system can enhance grid reliability by helping balance the grid through frequency regulation, volt-ampere reactive (VARs) compensation, and demand response services. The system is scheduled to be operational by the fall of 2013.

"Advancing our energy storage infrastructure builds greater confidence in Maryland's grid resiliency," said Abigail Ross Hopper, MEA Director. "Grid storage technology also improves the delivery service of our first responders, armed services, telecommunications, waste water treatment plants, and emergency shelters."