If you're thinking about installing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for your home or business, or if you have an existing BESS, you should be aware of important standards and practices to make sure your system is running safely.
Click here to see BESS Safety Standards and Practices for Small Businesses and Residential Customers.
Click here to see BESS Safety Standards and Practices for Large Customers.
If you already installed a BESS, safety codes and industry standards may have changed since your system was installed. While not required, you may want to consider upgrading your BESS to meet the latest codes.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Systems
If you have or are considering installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system, you should be aware of important standards and practices to make sure your system works safely.
- For residential or single-vehicle charging installations, please click here for more information.
- For multi-vehicle charging installations, please click here.
- For general EV safety, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Department of Energy.
Solar Systems
If you already have a solar system or want additional information about the installation process, you should be aware of important standards and practices to make sure your system operates safely. Please click here for more information.
Related Information
More related safety information that you should consider:
Please make sure that the BESS, solar system, or EV charging system you choose is designed by California-licensed engineers and installed by licensed and bonded contractors with experience with these types of installations.
Energy Storage Devices / Battery Systems Frequently Asked Questions
Energy Storage Devices / Battery Systems FAQ
Yes, you can install an eligible ESS to your system under the Solar Billing Plan.
There are currently no applicable restrictions related to the sizing for energy storage devices paired with renewable generators. The 150% rule originally outlined in the Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariff has been suspended until further notice.
Please note that if you are participating in rebate programs such as the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), they may have different sizing requirements for the energy storage device. As such, you will need to confirm that the size of the energy storage device meets both the interconnection and rebate program requirements to qualify and take advantage of both programs.
Battery systems in a Paired Storage agreement are charged by a renewable generator i.e., solar, wind, etc., but are not permitted to charge from the grid.
The SBP does not have a discharge requirement; however, please note that incentive programs, such as the Self-Generating Incentive Program (SGIP) may require battery discharge at regular intervals.
It depends on the size of your storage device. If your storage device has an inverter rating greater than 10 kW, you must adhere to the metering requirements listed in the Interconnection Handbook. If your storage device has an inverter rating of 10 kW or less, no additional metering is required.
Yes. However, for systems that are less than 10 kW and do not have a Net Generation Output Meter (NGOM), Energy Export Credits are capped in accordance with the Paired Storage estimation methodology, as described in the tariff.
For systems over 10 kW, a NGOM, or other power control option, will be required to meter the generation of the system and properly identify any energy exported to the grid, specifically from the battery component. No credits are granted for exports that exceed the recorded generation from the renewable system.
If your project requires, or you request a NGOM, SCE will internally begin this process once your project moves to Engineering Review. Your contractor should keep you updated with the status of your NGOM as it moves through the installation process.
Legal Disclaimer
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. You should consult your own engineering, construction or legal advisors before engaging in the installation of any BESS, EV Charging System, and/or solar power system. SCE makes no recommendations or representations regarding the quality or performance of any manufacturers, dealers, contractors, installers or materials.
ALL INFORMATION IS MADE AVAILABLE ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. SCE MAKES NO WARRANTY AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO THE COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OF ANY INFORMATION.