OUR LATEST ARTICLES Merlin's Library Filter by Category > Subscribe Regulatory Compliance Jul 7, 2026 Analysts expect rising PPA prices as clean energy tax credits phase out > Read With the July 4 safe-harbor deadline passed, non-tax-advantaged solar projects may need PPAs in the mid-to-high $60s/MWh, up from $40-45. Jul 3, 2026 FERC issues ‘show cause’ orders to US grid operators on large load integration. > Read FERC gives PJM, MISO, SPP, CAISO, ISO-NE, and NYISO 60 days to show their tariffs can handle data center-scale loads without shifting costs to ratepayers. Jun 25, 2026 Battery Storage Incentive Landscape in New York > Read The Big Apple needs Big Batteries, too! Jun 2, 2026 Garden State Energy Storage Program (GSEP) > Read Regulatory Compliance May 27, 2026 ERCOT NPRR 1333: Is Your Inverter-Based Resource Eligible for the $25M Grid-Forming Incentive? > Read Regulatory Compliance May 6, 2026 Field Failures > Read Series of graphical lessons learned from field Quality Assurance (QA) of solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects Energy Markets May 4, 2026 Midcontinent Independent System Operator [MISO] > Read Energy Markets Apr 27, 2026 Round-Trip Efficiency Is Not a Spec Sheet Number - It's a System Behavior Under Load > Read Why BESS efficiency claims without operating context are meaningless, and what actually drives the 15–20 point gap between lab specs and field performance Regulatory Compliance Apr 20, 2026 The Container Problem in LFP Long-Duration Storage > Read Why bigger cells don't mean proportionally more energy in a 20-foot box Energy Markets Mar 27, 2026 From lab to grid: making LDES bankable > Read The chemistry debates hide the real issues: Commercial readiness, technological advancement, operational flexibility, and market adaptation Regulatory Compliance Feb 10, 2026 Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) Regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) > Read Based on Notice 2026-15 Energy Markets Feb 4, 2026 Tired of BESS commissioning delays? Start the process earlier than you think > Read Regulatory Compliance Feb 2, 2026 PJMInterconnectivity > Read Summary of Base Residual Auction (BRA) 2027/2028 Energy Markets Dec 4, 2025 CAISO Market Operations > Read Understanding IFM, FMM and RTD in California's Energy Market Energy Markets Dec 2, 2025 SMART 3.0 - PY 26 Update > Read What's New in MA's Solar and Storage Framework Energy Markets Nov 11, 2025 ERCOT RTC + B > Read A Market Overhaul in Progress Energy Markets Nov 6, 2025 The Future of Grid - Scale Storage > Read How Technology, Market Shifts, and Design Are Redefining Energy Storage Regulatory Compliance Oct 30, 2025 NFPA 855 (2026) > Read Camelot Takes on Evolving ESS Safety Standards Energy Markets Oct 28, 2025 Smart 3.0 Is Here > Read Here's What You Need to Know Construction Aug 26, 2025 Constructability Part 2 > Read From Concept to Construction – Getting Solar Project Layout and Access Right Regulatory Compliance Aug 8, 2025 Camelot Unpacks UL 9540 – Part 2 > Read Regulatory Compliance Aug 8, 2025 Camelot Unpacks UL 9540 – Part 1 > Read Regulatory Compliance Apr 4, 2025 New U.S. Tariff Policy > Read Implications for Energy and Manufacturing Energy Markets Mar 20, 2025 New Acquisition Opportunity in MISO > Read M&A Opportunity Mar 14, 2025 New Acquisition Opportunity in ISO-NE > Read Construction Mar 10, 2025 Constructability Part 1 > Read The Critical Role of Constructability in Renewable Energy Projects Regulatory Compliance Feb 13, 2025 NERC’s New Compliance Threshold > Read What You Need to Know About the 20MW+ Requirements Energy Markets Feb 12, 2025 MA SMART Part 2 > Read Key Financial Implications for Hybrid Systems Energy Markets Jan 15, 2025 MA SMART Part 1 > Read Massachusetts SMART and Clean Peak Overview M&A Opportunity Jan 14, 2025 New Acquisition Opportunity in ERCOT > Read Energy Markets Nov 7, 2024 Part 2: VDER Revenue Stack > Read VDER Revenue Stack for Hybrid (Solar + Storage) Projects Energy Markets Oct 31, 2024 U.S. ISO/RTO Regions > Read Exploring Market Opportunities Across U.S. ISO/RTO Regions Energy Markets Oct 10, 2024 Part 1: VDER Revenue Stack > Read VDER Revenue Stack for Standalone Storage Projects Solar Availability Sep 11, 2024 Solar Availability Series Part 4 > Read Camelot’s Balanced Approach Solar Availability Aug 30, 2024 Solar Availability Series Part 3 > Read Methods for Maximization Solar Availability Aug 23, 2024 Solar Availability Series Part 2 > Read Measurements and Metrics Solar Availability Aug 15, 2024 Solar Availability Series Part 1 > Read Background and State-of-the-Industry Energy Markets Jan 30, 2024 On VDER > Read Simplifying the (Somewhat) Simplified Economics of DG Projects in New York State Subscribe Stay informed Email* Subscribe I want to receive alerts for new articles

WHO WE ARE At Camelot, we believe in and work towards a just, equitable, and sustainable society where everyone has access to clean and affordable electricity. Getting to this point will require substantial investment in solar, energy storage, and other clean energy technologies, with such investment coming not only from banks and investment funds but communities, corporations, and governments. > Read More RT Our Round Table Shawn Shaw, PE Founder, CEO Read More Aaron King, PE Director of Programs & Policy Read More Hieu Le Chief Financial Officer Read More Jacques Cantin, PE Senior Project Manager Read More Sagar Bharadwaj, PMP Project Manager Read More Lynn Appollis-Laurent, PE Director, Technical Services Read More Raafe Khan Head of Energy Storage and Emerging Markets Read More Bill Atkinson, CEM Senior Project Engineer Read More Andrew Leslie Senior Project Engineer Read More Nimisha Shah Associate Analyst Read More Taylor Parsons Director, Technical Advisory Read More Bill Coon, NABCEP PVIP Head of Construction Read More Mark Warner Senior Project Manager Read More Michelle Aguirre, NABCEP PVIP Project Manager Read More Calla Schultz Associate Project Engineer Read More

Resources Camelot has put together a range of free resources to help your community navigate large-scale solar and battery energy storage projects, from live office hours and fact sheets to in-depth guides and toolkits. Explore what's below, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Office Hours Have questions about a solar or battery storage project in your community? Camelot is hosting free, drop-in office hours for public agency staff, municipal officials, and community members. Join us every other Thursday, 3:00–4:00 PM ET, from September 17th to November 12th, 2026. Register here BESS Fact Sheets Through our work with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, we've fielded hundreds of questions from local officials and community members about battery energy storage systems (BESS). We've distilled the most common ones into two free, two-page fact sheets: Download: BESS Safety & Technology Download: Community Benefits of BESS Codes Guidebook Camelot's Founder and CEO, Shawn Shaw, PE, has just published the second edition of Energy Storage Systems Based on the IBC®, IFC®, IRC® and NEC®, Second Edition - a practical guide to help public planners, building officials, engineers, and inspectors navigate the rapidly evolving world of ESS. Order your copy Large Scale Solar & Battery Toolkit Camelot partnered with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) to develop the Large-Scale Solar and Battery Storage Toolkit - a resource offering best practices for large-scale solar, covering public engagement, planning, permitting, and more. Access the toolkit Questions? Check out our Clean Energy Helpdesk where you can submit questions, and one of us on the team will reach out. Otherwise, feel free to submit a form on our Contact page. Clean Energy Helpdesk Contact Us

Careers at Camelot We currently do not have any open positions available. Please check back later for future opportunities. You may send your resume to hello@camelotenergygroup.com to be considered for future openings.

Mar 10, 2025 Constructability Part 1 Constructability refers to the overall ease and efficiency with which a project can be built. This directly influences both the speed of construction, and the cost required to complete the project. It encompasses various aspects of design, planning, procurement, and execution to ensure the project can be built effectively, safely, and within budget and timeline constraints. The Importance of Constructability in Solar and Battery Storage Projects When it comes to solar and battery storage projects, constructability should be considered as early as the site acquisition stage. Typically, during this phase, developers identify a potential land parcel and create a preliminary layout to assess site capacity, estimate annual energy production, and gauge interconnection feasibility using the limited information available. While this is a crucial first step, constructability concerns are often overlooked or insufficiently analyzed. This can lead to projects with critical constructability challenges advancing through the development process—resulting in wasted time and money on projects with a low likelihood of successful execution. The Camelot Energy team has extensive experience in development, engineering, procurement, and construction, allowing us to help owners and developers identify and address constructability concerns early in a project’s lifecycle. By doing so, we help mitigate late-stage issues, ensuring smoother project execution. This article is the first in a series on "Constructability," where the Camelot team will highlight common challenges and showcase solutions that enable seamless project development and construction. The Ups and Downs of Topography in Renewable Energy Projects One of the most common constructability issues we encounter during the development and construction phases is inadequate attention to topography . The terrain of a project site significantly impacts design feasibility, energy production estimates, and overall constructability. Why Topography Matters Most preliminary project layouts are created using publicly available data, which typically provides only 5’ or 10’ contour intervals. While this offers a rough idea of site conditions, it lacks the precision needed to fully de-risk a project. This limitation is particularly problematic for sites with complex terrain, dense forestation, or proximity to floodplains. For such projects, hiring a professional survey company to conduct a detailed topographic survey (with 2’ contour intervals or finer) is essential. This data enables developers and engineers to validate site conditions accurately and plan accordingly. Using Topography Data in Project Design and Development Once a detailed topographic survey is completed, the preliminary layout—including solar arrays, battery storage units, access roads, fencing, and equipment pads—should be incorporated into computer-aided design (CAD) software . By integrating this data into the design, engineers can assess site suitability and proactively address constructability challenges. At this stage, a slope analysis should be conducted to identify areas of concern. This analysis requires input from multiple disciplines, including civil, structural, and electrical engineers, construction professionals, and racking vendors . Collaboration ensures that all aspects of the project are evaluated, and risks are mitigated early. Key Topography Considerations for Constructability Civil Design Grading requirements to meet design standards Stormwater management and hydrology considerations Access road construction feasibility Equipment pad locations and elevation planning Structural Design Vendor-specific racking slope tolerances Structural calculations for stability and safety Accommodation of varying site elevations Electrical Design Trenching and underground conductor runs Placement of medium-voltage poles and guy wires for overhead lines Routing and protection of underground cables Construction Considerations Water management strategies during construction Temporary erosion control measures Site layout for construction staging areas Placement of office trailers and parking zones Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Planning Long-term vegetation management strategies Ongoing erosion control measures Why Early Topographic Analysis is Essential Topography sets the foundation for every aspect of a renewable energy project—it is the building block of successful development and project design. Identifying and addressing topographic challenges early minimizes risks, helps maintain budget and schedule discipline, and ensures that project goals are met. By taking a proactive approach, developers can avoid costly redesigns, permitting delays, and unexpected construction obstacles. Looking Ahead This article is just the beginning of our series on constructability. In upcoming articles, we will dive deeper into other critical factors affecting constructability, including geotechnical challenges, interconnection hurdles, and procurement risks. Stay tuned for more constructability insights from the Camelot Energy Group! < Back Back

< Back Nimisha Shah Associate Analyst Nimisha Shah is an Associate Analyst at Camelot Energy Group, where she focuses on researching energy markets, analyzing industry trends, and building analytical models that help support strategic and clean energy decisions. Her work involves translating complex financial, operational, and market data into clear insights that guide market positioning, business strategy, and decision-making within the evolving energy sector. She is particularly interested in how data and analytics can drive more informed and sustainable energy solutions in a rapidly changing industry. She recently earned her Master’s in Business Analytics from University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from United States International University Africa. Her background in analytics and finance allows her to approach energy markets with both a strategic and data-driven perspective. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new food spots, and experiencing different cultures through travel and cuisine. Growing up in Nairobi gave her a strong appreciation for staying connected to nature and finding balance outside of work. nimisha.shah@camelotenergygroup.com

< Back Michelle Aguirre, NABCEP PVIP Project Manager Michelle Aguirre is a Project Manager with over 6 years of experience in managing engineering projects. Michelle has expertise in electrical safety, quality assurance, technical report writing, and project management. Michelle has supported with Technical Advisory, Owner’s Engineering, and Supply Chain services on commercial to utility-scale PV and BESS projects with construction monitoring, technology reviews, and managing the quality assurance and traceability of major equipment. Prior to joining Camelot, Michelle was a Product Safety Engineer at TUV SUD. Michelle has the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification, is a registered Engineer-in-Training in the state of California, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of California-San Diego. michelle.aguirre@camelotenergygroup.com

< Back Bill Coon, NABCEP PVIP Head of Construction Bill is Camelot’s Head of Construction and oversees all aspects of solar and storage construction and installation quality. This work includes construction monitoring, field supervision, and QA inspection of clean energy construction projects. Bill has over 20 years in the construction field and prior to joining Camelot oversaw QA and safety for a solar construction company and spent time as a construction project manager, solar inspector, and engineer. Bill has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University. Bill also holds Installer, Inspector, Commissioning, and Maintenance certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) and is a licensed electrician. bill.coon@camelotenergygroup.com

Oct 30, 2025 NFPA 855 (2026) Taylor Swift dropped her new album, but the NFPA dropped the 2026 edition of 855: Camelot is reviewing the standards and there will be a dedicated post about this in the coming weeks – stay tuned! Please reach out to us if you require guidance on the ensuring your systems are code compliant and you have the best resources to complete fire safety engineering General Scoping: The latest edition has reorganized things which reduce ambiguity and cross references that existed across chapters in prior editions General requirements have been moved into a single chapter; technology specific chapters with tailored rules which should create fewer conflicts and clearer applications during code reviews Large-Scale Fire Testing (LSFT): The latest edition puts a stronger emphasis on LSFT but creates an anchor to UL 9540A. The most significant single change is the introduction of full-scale burn testing with flammable gas ignition. In the short-term, this puts the 2026 NFPA 855 ahead of UL 9540A, as the 4 th edition does not provide a procedure for this gas ignition process. This is expected to be addressed in the upcoming 5 th edition of UL9540A, to be released in March, but in the meantime, specifics of new LSFT procedures are a bit of a gap in the new edition of NFPA 855. Conceptually, the new LSFT is considered an alternative unit-level test, adding to the typical number of UL 9540A tests that need to be reviewed as part of typical due diligence. Engineers, like Camelot, will now need to review cell, module, unit, and LSFT test reports to validate system design and code compliance but, overall, this added testing is expected to result in improved safety. Source: UL For larger, denser designs, the 2026 edition elevates LSFT to an expected component to demonstrate containment, adjacent to unit impacts and realistic configurations (multiple racks, aisle spacing, ceiling effects, heat flux, etc.) Source: Hithium It is important for engineers to budget for real estate when proposing dense BESS layouts with tight clustering. Camelot expects AHJs will ask for both UL 9540A and system-scale LSFT evidence in permitting packages Explosion control: While previous editions allowed owners to comply via either passive (e.g., deflagration panels) or active (e.g., gas detection and ventilation), the 2026 edition will now require manufacturers to use active ventilation measures complying with NFPA 69. Manufacturers may still use passive measures if desired but these, alone, will no longer be compliant with NFPA 855. The new standard also increases the requirements for documentation around explosion control and the rigor of hazard mitigation analyses (HMA). The new edition also provides more specific requirements for supplying backup power to explosion control systems, allowing them to remain operational when grid power is disconnected. Enhanced documentation requirements: The 2026 cycle clarifies HMA expectations (inputs, scenarios, outcomes) and pushes better correlation between detection technologies and mitigation strategies (e.g., clean agent vs water, deflagration prevention vs passive venting). This is a direct response to inconsistent submittals in prior cycles. Camelot expects AHJ to scrutinize HMAs and modeling assumptions, so it is important to be explicit about gas evolution triggers, alarm setpoints, failure modes, fan curves, agent hold times, ventilation rates, fail-safe logic, etc. Owners will need to be ready to work closely with suppliers to provide AHJs with more test data, modeling results, and similar technical information going forward. NFPA 855 also draws a distinction between Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) and Emergency Operations Plans (EOP). Much of this content was previously merged into a single document but going forward, ERPs will focus on firefighter and emergency personnel information, whilst the EOP will provide key information for the owner/operator. The result should be two more targeted and accessible documents replacing a single broad document, but developers will need to plan on refreshing previous templates and some additional time to coordinate separately on these key documents. Technology coverage has been expanded in the 2026 edition which intends to reduce overapplication of Li-specific requirements to chemistries with different risk profiles, like lead-acid, aqueous Nickel, etc. Operations and Maintenance: Since testing expectations have been made explicit, field-based modifications like augmentation may potentially invalidate test representativeness. It is expected that the AHJs will trigger re-evaluations to ensure everything is up to code The latest edition also states that the project owners schedule annual ERP reviews and training for first responders to maintain compliance. This has been the best practice for some time but jurisdictions adopting NFPA 855 will now have grounds to make this a requirement. It is also worth putting this new edition of NFPA 855 into a broader context, as things are moving fast on the ESS codes and standards front. Camelot is closely tracking several related codes and standards efforts, including: NFPA 800 (Battery Safety Code) is a new standard with far more breadth than previous codes, covering all aspects of battery safety from manufacturing and storage to operations and disposal. It goes beyond stationary ESS, as well. The code is still in its first draft, but the Technical Committee is actively working on updates. UL 9540A 5 th Edition: As noted above, the new edition of this critical testing standard will likely provide updated guidance to better address the LSFT requirements put forth in NFPA 855 (2026) and this should be released in March. Camelot’s CEO, Shawn Shaw, is working on an update to the 2022 Energy Storage Systems and the IBC, IFC, IRC, and NEC published by the International Code Council. Stay tuned for more updates and a final publication date soon. Raafe Khan, Shawn Shaw < Back Back

Camelot Energy Group is a technical & strategic advisor to owners and investors in clean energy & energy storage projects, programs & infrastructure. We specialise in Solar, Energy Storage, Consulting, Engineering, Batteries, Due Diligence, Energy Access, Strategy, Owner’s Engineering & Advisory. FEATURED PROJECTS Sectors We Serve Camelot Energy Group specializes in the clean energy sector, particularly focusing on these key areas: Solar Energy Storage Clean Energy Programs Energy Access Solar Energy Storage Clean Energy Programs Energy Access 01. SOLAR Enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth in one hour to supply all of the energy needs of the global population for a year. However, when it comes to capturing and using that energy, the devil is, as they say, in the details. At Camelot Energy Group, we specialize in those details and our team members have supported the financing and construction of over 7GW of solar PV projects, including: Managing quality assurance for portfolios of distributed solar projects and performing hundreds of hands-on field inspections Performing Owner’s Engineering on utility scale projects from 500kW to 100’s of MW Providing technical due diligence and independent engineering (IE) services to support financing of portfolios, projects, and development platforms Supporting and evaluating state clean energy programs to support solar PV and related technologies Developed and delivered numerous trainings on relevant codes, standards, and best practices Our team members have supported many different public and private clients building and investing in solar technologies. See our Services page or contact us to learn more. 02. ENERGY STORAGE Scaling adoption of clean energy technologies will require a range of enabling technologies but none is more critical than the ability to safely and cost-effectively store and manage electricity. Energy storage technologies, from lithium-ion batteries to pumped hydro facilities, are key to managing the grid of tomorrow and the team at Camelot Energy Group has unique expertise and insights into the energy storage industry. From island microgrids to large utility-scale grid support applications, our team members have supported the energy storage transition for nearly two decades and bring core expertise in: Ensured asset owners receive the best possible technologies, designs, and installations during typical Owners Engineering engagements Evaluating new technologies and suppliers through our Strategic Advisory services Performing Technical due diligence and independent engineering on energy storage (including those with colocated solar) facilities and portfolios Developing and delivering trainings to support government entities and clean energy programs Provided key insights on developing codes and standards via our recent publications, including our founder’s recent book , published with the International Code Council and International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Our team members have supported dozens of energy storage projects, including over 4GWh projects. Please contact us if you would like to know more. SOLAR ENERGY STORAGE 03. CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS Clean energy programs often provide valuable incentives and technical support that have been key to driving adoption of new technologies. Though solar PV is much more cost-effective than it was even a few years ago, these programs continue to play a vital role and Camelot Energy Group is pleased to support these efforts. Our team members have: Helped state incentive programs build and manage quality assurance programs, ensuring that public funds support high quality, safe, and effective installations through program design, technical design reviews, process improvement, and implementation of over 4,000 hands-on field inspections. Evaluated public and utility-run incentive programs to determine cost-effectiveness, participant satisfaction, attributable energy benefits, and support filings with relevant regulatory bodies. Supported utilities during Integrated Resource Plan processes by analyzing technical, economic, and market potential for solar , energy storage, and other clean energy technologies. Our team members have worked with programs at the federal level and in over a dozen states. If you manage clean energy programs and need support running, evaluating, or expanding such a program please contact us. CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS 04. ENERGY ACCESS Globally, more than 750 million people (twice the population of the United States) lack access to electricity and some 2.6 billion people lack access to clean cooking fuels. At Camelot, we believe that a transition to a clean energy future must include energy access for all and we are glad to support these efforts through: Ensuring high quality and safety standards are maintained through Owner’s Engineering Helping impact investors support good projects and technologies with Technical Due Diligence and Strategic Advisory services Providing technical support and expertise to Clean Energy Programs The global impact investment market is a growing and powerful tool for implementing positive change in energy access. If you need help on this important topic, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us. ENERGY ACCESS

Nov 7, 2024 Part 2: VDER Revenue Stack As discussed in Part 1: VDER Revenue Stack for Standalone Storage Projects , while the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) Calculator is a freely accessible tool for estimating expected VDER revenues, it can fall short in accurately modeling certain revenue streams. Therefore, when evaluating investments in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) or hybrid (solar + storage) projects, it’s crucial to supplement this initial analysis with a more detailed revenue forecast that considers additional variables encountered in real-world operations. Like other leading market analytics providers, Camelot uses an optimized dispatch model to project future revenues for BESS and hybrid projects participating in merchant energy and ancillary services markets. However, projects with substantial programmatic revenues—such as NY VDER projects—often require a more customized approach to accurately validate revenue streams and financial model inputs. To address this need, Camelot has developed additional tools and capabilities that seamlessly integrate these programmatic revenue streams with relevant merchant market opportunities. You can find more background on the VDER program here to help developers and investors understand this critical framework. For our analysis, we modeled the revenue stack of a hybrid system with a 5 MWDC solar array and a 5 MW, 4-hour BESS under the VDER program across various utilities. We estimated the Locational System Relief Value (LSRV) manually, while our optimized dispatch model calculated LBMP, ICAP Alt 1, ICAP Alt 2, and DRV values. Additionally, we created four scenarios based on the following configurations: Hybrid Systems – PV Charging Only PV Charging Only (Alt 1) PV Charging Only (Alt 2) Hybrid Systems – PV & Grid Charging PV & Grid Charging (Alt 1) PV & Grid Charging (Alt 2) Key Trends and Insights from the PV Charging Only Results Figure 1 Excerpt from Camelot Q4 2024 NY Market Outlook Report Figure 2 Excerpt from Camelot Q4 2024 NY Market Outlook Report Energy Component (LBMP): The combined energy (LBMP) values from both BESS and solar in PV Charging Only projects are not the lowest among VDER components when compared to standalone BESS projects. This is largely because there are no charging costs—BESS charges from PV rather than the grid. Installed Capacity (ICAP) Value: Capacity prices vary significantly by NYISO load zones, making capacity revenue forecasts challenging due to price volatility across zones. These prices may decline as offshore wind is integrated, which contributes both energy and capacity. ICAP Alt 2 yields higher revenue than ICAP Alt 1 across all zones, primarily due to the rate structure of ICAP Alt 2. Similar to ICAP Alt 3 (applicable only to standalone BESS), ICAP Alt 2 prices have historically been higher, especially in Zone J (NYC – ConEd Group A) and Zone K (PSEG LI). Zone J prices average 3.04 times higher than other zones due to anticipated thermal retirements and land constraints that limit new renewable integration. Demand Reduction Value (DRV): Like standalone BESS projects in areas with 2 PM to 7 PM DRV windows, PV Charging Only projects also achieve strong DRV results as these hours often align with system peak windows. In ConEd Group B (Westchester), projects within the 2 PM to 6 PM DRV window produce significantly higher DRV revenues compared to those in the 2 PM to 7 PM window, as the former aligns more closely with potential peak periods. For instance, DRV revenue in ConEd Group B is 6.36 times higher than the utility average within the 2 PM to 7 PM window and 5.82 times higher than the state average. Locational System Relief Value (LSRV): In Central Hudson’s territory, LSRV does not apply. However, the highest LSRV revenues are seen in ConEd (Zones A to C) and PSEG territories, where LSRV revenues are 2.60 times higher than the state average. Environmental Value: The environmental value remains constant across all utilities and is locked in for 25 years. This revenue stream applies only to PV Charging Only cases in VDER, making these configurations more attractive than PV & Grid Charging due to the additional revenue stream. Key Trends and Insights from the PV and Grid Charging Results Figure 3 Excerpt from Camelot Q4 2024 NY Market Outlook Report Figure 4 Excerpt from Camelot Q4 2024 NY Market Outlook Report Energy Component (LBMP): In PV & Grid Charging projects, the combined energy (LBMP) components from both BESS and solar, including charging costs, are the lowest revenue component when compared to PV Charging Only projects in VDER. This is largely because PV Charging Only projects incur no charging costs, as BESS charges directly from PV rather than the grid. Installed Capacity (ICAP) Value : Capacity prices vary significantly by NYISO load zones, making capacity revenue forecasting challenging due to price volatility across zones. These prices could decrease with the addition of offshore wind, which contributes both energy and capacity. Like PV Charging Only projects, PV & Grid Charging projects see higher revenues under ICAP Alt 2 compared to ICAP Alt 1 across all zones, primarily due to the higher rate structure of ICAP Alt 2. Like ICAP Alt 3, which applies only to standalone BESS projects, ICAP Alt 2 prices have historically been highest in Zone J (NYC – ConEd Group A), followed by Zone K (PSEG LI). Zone J averages 3.06 times higher than other zones, driven by anticipated thermal retirements and land constraints that hinder new renewable integration. Demand Reduction Value (DRV): Similar to standalone BESS projects in regions with 2 PM to 7 PM DRV windows, PV & Grid Charging projects also achieve strong DRV results as these times often align with system peak periods. However, as with PV Charging Only projects, PV & Grid Charging projects in ConEd Group B (Westchester) within the 2 PM to 6 PM DRV window yield much higher DRV revenues than those in the 2 PM to 7 PM window, as the former more closely overlaps with system peaks. For example, DRV revenue in ConEd Group B is 5.95 times higher than the utility average within the 2 PM to 7 PM window and 4.87 times higher than the state average. Locational System Relief Value (LSRV): In the Central Hudson territory, LSRV does not apply. Similar to PV Charging Only projects, the highest LSRV revenues are observed in ConEd (Zones A to C) and PSEG, where LSRV revenues are 2.73 times higher than the state average. Environmental Value: The environmental value applies exclusively to PV Charging Only cases within VDER, making PV & Grid Charging cases less favorable in the VDER revenue stack due to the lack of this additional revenue component. Conclusions The VDER revenue stack significantly diminishes for projects located outside of ConEd and PSEG territories. Although CAPEX and OPEX costs for upstate projects may generally be lower, this advantage is offset by the more lucrative revenue streams available in ConEd and PSEG regions, as highlighted in this article. When calculating these revenue streams, it’s essential to account for the various market nuances specific to the VDER revenue stack, as discussed in Part 1: VDER Revenue Stack for Standalone Storage Projects. While the VDER Value Stack Calculator is a useful tool for preliminary analysis, it may not always provide accurate forward revenue estimates. Our team recommends conducting a more detailed analysis to support the development and financing of energy storage and hybrid projects in New York State. In summary, when comparing the VDER value stack for hybrid projects under ICAP Alt 1 and Alt 2, as well as the PV Charging Only and PV & Grid Charging options, we find that PV Charging Only (Alt 2) projects generate higher revenues than PV & Grid Charging projects. This is primarily due to the Environmental value, which is locked in for 25 years at a fixed rate of $31.03/MWh, and the increased revenue potential that ICAP Alt 2 offers over Alt 1. To accurately assess the benefits of PV Charging Only versus PV & Grid Charging, Camelot can assist you in determining the optimal storage system size to co-locate with your solar system, helping you maximize returns for hybrid projects. If you're interested in assessing energy storage and/or hybrid projects in NYISO’s VDER Program, feel free to reach out to us at info@camelotenergygroup.com . About Camelot Energy Group is a technical and strategic advisor to owners and investors in clean energy and energy storage projects, programs, and infrastructure. Guided by our core values of courage, empathy, integrity, and service we seek to support the energy needs of a just, sustainable, and equitable future. Our team has experience in supporting 7+GW of solar PV and 10+ GWh of energy storage and offers expertise in technology, codes and standards, engineering, public programs, project finance, installation methods, quality assurance, safety, contract negotiation, and related topics. Our services are tailored to a providing a different kind of consulting experience that emphasizes the humanity of our clients and team members, resulting in a high-quality bespoke service, delivered with focus, attention, and purpose. Key services include: -Technical due diligence of projects and technologies -Owner’s representative and engineer support -Strategic planning -Training and coaching -Codes and standards consulting -Contract negotiation and support. < Back Back

Jun 25, 2026 Battery Storage Incentive Landscape in New York Introduction The New York energy landscape is shifting faster than most people realize. Between the summers being hotter than ever, strict emission rules, higher levels of electrification, and a grid that is feeling the pressure of these rising load demands, the disequilibrium between supply and demand could not be higher. If you are a property owner in New York, not only do you need to hunt for available incentives, you also need to understand how the timing, program specifics, and new compliance rules would impact the actual value of your investments. The markets are changing rapidly, and with this article, we aim to help break down the options for you. The state has committed to deploying 6GW of energy storage by 2030 in every region from the 5 boroughs to upstate cities. Understanding how these programs interact and how to execute a relatively linear execution workflow are crucial as these incentives are substantial as well as limited. NYSERDA Incentives Residential and Retail Storage Incentives This is New York’s primary incentive program for battery storage systems up to 5 MW AC . The program offers upfront rebates based on usable installed kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity. Incentives are usually paid directly to the NYSERDA Participating contractors and are required to be passed by the customer as a reduction in the total installed project cost. Residential Energy Storage Incentives are available for behind-the-meter systems with up to 25 kWh of storage capacity. The Retail Energy Storage Incentives are available to both behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter projects up to 5 MW AC . The program uses a “ declining block ” setup. Funding is divided into tiers, and as those tiers fill up, the incentive amount tends to drop. To lock in the highest possible rate, the best decision is to act soon! For qualifying in this incentive: You’ll need to work with a NYSERDA-approved installer. The system needs to meet all required safety and permitting standards, including UL 9540A fire safety testing and approvals from local authorities. Projects are expected to stay in service long enough to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to the grid. Systems need to be properly integrated with building electrical infrastructure and utility interconnection requirements. Incentive levels change by region, with New York City operating under a separate declining block schedule compared to Upstate New York and Long Island, each of these follows its own regional incentive structure and funding. Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) or the Value Stack The VDER is a methodology created by the New York State Public Service Commission to compensate energy created by distributed energy resources including solar, standalone energy storage and co-located energy storage systems. Eligible systems include behind-the-meter nonresidential projects larger than 750 kWAC, as well as front-of-the-meter projects up to 5 MWAC that export electricity onto the electric distribution system. The Value Stack tariff provides savings to a project through bill credits;, there are no direct cash payments. Compensation is based on when and where a project provides electricity to the grid, determined by the following components of the Value Stack: Energy Value (LBMP) Capacity Value (ICAP) Environmental Value (E) Demand Reduction Value (DRV) Locational System Relief Value (LSRV) Each month, NY utilities file a statement that includes the rates associated with each of the above components of the value stack. Bulk Energy storage incentive (Index Storage Credit Program) This program is designed for the large-scale “front-of-the-meter” projects, those larger than 5 MW that feed power directly into the grid. In this program the ISC gives developers long-term financial stability. You still sell power and services in the wholesale market although the ISC acts as a buffer against price rises. This works as a “contract for differences.” As the market price falls below the agreed strike price, NYSERDA pays you the difference. If market is booming and you make more than that price, you do end up paying the extra cost back. Which helps in keeping the income steady and predictable. Grid interconnection, strict safety testing (UL 9540A), and local permitting are yet required, as New York is more streamlined, they have more rigorous requirements. If you can manage the complex utility-scale projects this program is for you! Inclusive Storage Incentive (ISI) This program is designed as a bonus payment. If your project is in the Disadvantaged Community (DAC) it provides and additional per-kWh incentive adder for eligible projects along with the Residential and Retail Energy Storage Incentive. The goal of this incentive is to bring clean energy to the neighborhoods hit hardest by climate change, ensuring everyone gets a chance as New York moves to achieve its climate goals. This is for small property owners. You need to check from the NYSERDA’s mapping tool you are in the qualifying area which factors the local health, environmental and economic factors to identify communities in need. This incentive can be combined with other perks like property tax exemptions (RPTL § 487) and utility rewards programs. For this you receive the payment right alongside with your base incentive as the project is completed. Standard safety rules always need to be followed, which include passing the fire safety test (UL 9540A) and getting the permits for DOB and FDNY. BESS Peer Review Although not an incentive program, the new BESS Peer Review process is an important requirement tied to both the Retail and Bulk Storage programs for non-NYC projects. Required for all NYSERDA-funded energy storage projects exceeding 600 kWh, the Peer Review is a pre-construction desktop review of design documents conducted by vetted, qualified experts to verify code compliance and safety before construction begins. The process generally involves document submission, an iterative technical review with feedback, and results in an approved Peer Review Report. Applicants should plan for 45–60 days for a complete submission. Once approved, major design or equipment changes should be avoided, because any material deviations from the approved design carry financial risk and must be resubmitted for review. A post-construction onsite field inspection is also required to confirm the project was built in accordance with the approved design. We are proud to be one of the contracted firms that helped design the Peer Review program and are positioned to carry out reviews to help ensure projects are built to the highest safety standards for communities, local AHJs, and fire departments. Property Based Incentives Solar & Electric Storage Property Tax Abatement (PTA) If you like working on a solar or battery project this is a powerful incentive. It is designed to help you recoup a significant chunk of your investment through direct tax relief. 30% of the installation cost can be recovered, with a total cap of $250,000 which is spread over 4 years. Which breaks down tax to be $62,500 per year. New York is a fast city! Applications are to be submitted by March 15th to see the credit on the following tax year’s bill. In case you miss it then you must wait for next year to start saving. This PTA applies to Class 1 (residential homes), Class 2 (multifamily building) and Class 4 (commercial buildings). You need to clear the usual requirements: Clearing tests from DOB and DFNY UL9540A fire system standards must be met. The drawback is that you can’t combine this and the RPTL § 487 property tax exemption at the same time. Hence, owners need to calculate which incentive is more pocket-friendly for them. Clean Energy Systems Exemption (RPTL § 487) This is a statewide incentive program that keeps property taxes from increasing after the installation of a battery storage system. For 15- years any increase in your property assessed value which comes from the new system is completely tax-exempt. The incentive is best for owners and developers. As this is a state law the local governments and the school districts outside the New York can choose to opt out of this. To enroll in this, one needs to check with the local government to confirm if the local municipality is participating. How do you claim this? Owners need to file the RP-487 Form Notice of Intent (NOI) to their local tax authority. Meet fire codes, building code and utility interconnection standards. This exemption can’t be combined with Property Tax Abatement (PTA), so you will need to analyze the project's costs and see which helps you in saving more. Other Regional Incentives and Statewide Support Programs Con Edison Demand Management Programs (Downstate) This program is for high-traffic areas, i.e. Brooklyn and Queens, where the grid can get overloaded due to congestion. To solve building expensive power plants, Con Edison offers programs such as Brooklyn – Queens Demand Management (BQDM) which pays building owners for using less power when there is a strain on the grid. To reduce load during peak demand events in the summer due to the use of HVAC, Load Relief Programs are introduced where they pay the building owners and operators to reduce the load during the peak events. These programs tend to be highly lucrative paying between $2,500-$3,000 per kW. This isn’t a one-time confirmation;, it’s a combination of an upfront payment and ongoing rewards for how well your system would perform when dispatched by Con Edison during peak demand events. As summer heatwaves rise and we continue to see prolonged cold snaps, the grid needs a fast response. Battery storage is the perfect solution for this as it discharges power by dropping the buildings net demand the moment Conm Ed sends a signal. To qualify for this: The system needs a 4-hour dispatchable capacity. The systems need to be integrated with Con Ed’s monitoring system so they can verify that the load is reducing during peak events. When these payments are combined with NYSERDA rebates and federal tax credits, battery storage economics improve. In many neighborhoods, stacking these incentives transforms battery storage from a marginal option to a high return, and a must- have investment by also shortening the payback period. Other Utility Programs by Region PSEG Long Island has been testing out storage rebates in LIPA territory for residential and commercial customers. Residential – single family or small residential properties billed under residential tariffs. Commercial - non – residential or multifamily property billed under commercial institutional utility tariffs. National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E and Central Hudson offer programs which are focused on peak load reduction and demand response, encouraging customers to reduce usage during high-demand periods to help in managing the local grid constraints. Connected Solutions – This program is a performance-based incentive program that pays National Grid customers for sharing stored energy from their battery systems with the electric grid during periods of peak demand. Customers receive annual incentive payments based on the average amount of power they contribute. Active National Grid electric service account customers, both residential and commercial and industrial, with behind-the-meter battery energy storage systems are eligible. Statewide and Complementary Support Programs NY – Sun Program: Pairing solar panels with a battery system? You can be eligible for this incentive program. It is particularly helpful for commercial properties and housing projects dedicated to low-to-moderate income housing. NY Green Bank: Offers flexible, low-cost loans designed to support energy storage projects, whether deployed as standalone systems or on a solar array. NYSERDA Permitting Toolkit : A resource packed with templates and guides to make the permitting process less of a headache. This helps developers and local government get on the same page and ultimately cut down soft costs and delays. Clean Energy Communities (CEC): Local towns adopt clean energy-friendly policies as expedites permitting energy code enhancements that qualify for state funding. How to Maximize ROI Incentive stacking can improve project economics and support compliance objectives. A typical stack would include: NYSERDA rebates NYC PTA or RPTL § 487 Federal Investment Tax Credit Utility demand management programs Factors to consider: Timing – ensure to place the system in service Installation type – Standalone BESS vs. solar + storage Property type – Residential, commercial or multifamily. Compliance Landscape Local Law 97 (The Carbon Tax) Buildings which are over 25,000 sq ft and exceed their annual emissions usage limits face penalties of $268 per metric ton of CO2 emissions above the limit. Although the penalty rate is fixed, emissions caps tighten over time, increasing compliance risk for inefficient buildings. Batteries help buildings reduce emissions penalties by shifting electricity use to lower- emissions periods, lowering overall emissions intensity and supporting future solar or EV charging stations. Local Law 87 (The Efficiency Tune-Up) It requires covered New York city buildings to complete energy audits and retro-commissioning every ten years to identify and correct inefficiencies in building systems. Reports often reveal load spikes. Battery storage can support HVAC upgrades or electric boilers by managing these spikes and reducing the strain on electrical services. Compliance doesn’t require paying full costs. Stacking NYSERDA rebates, utility programs, the federal ITC and NYC property tax abatements can reduce the system costs. Residential and commercial battery storage is a practical way to support compliance with New York’s energy requirements while minimizing the need for major electrical infrastructure upgrades. BESS Moratorium Map Conclusion The clock is ticking. Incentives don’t stay forever. Funding levels through NYSERDA inventive levels decline as funding blocks are fully subscribed, and missing a single tax deadline means a delay for a year to save your pockets. Early action wins. Starting now doesn’t just improve your banks, it leads to smoother approvals through permitting and approval processes, particularly as demand for energy storage grows. Moving sooner will improve project economics. Early adoption of battery storage supports building level compliance efforts and contributes to a cleaner, more reliable and more resilient New York for the future. < Back Back