Qcells and Hanwha Aerospace USA (HAU) have announced the completion of two solar and energy storage projects in Connecticut to help HAU meet its energy demands. Under a 20-year PPA, Qcells will provide HAU with nearly 20% of its energy needs. The projects are among the first to utilize Connecticut’s Energy Storage Solutions program and make HAU the first manufacturer to benefit from the state storage incentives.
Launched in 2022 by Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the nine-year Energy Storage Solutions program is managed by Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first state-level green bank, along with Eversource and UI. Qcells’ two projects — located in Cheshire and Newington, Connecticut — total 1.7 MW of solar and 1.2 MWh of storage. Qcells ultimately is a one-stop shop for HAU, offering end-to-end service that covers customer power consumption pattern analysis, design, permitting, construction and operation, all fully financed.
The state’s storage program is a key to bringing more reliable, affordable storage solutions to Connecticut. The program is aimed at helping all types of energy customers install clean storage solutions to increase reliability and lower energy costs. Qcells’ system will contribute to the grid during critical periods and in return is eligible for performance incentives. With its Geli EMS software, Qcells optimizes battery charging and discharging to comply with program requirements and maximize both the operational and financial performance of the projects.
Qcells’ projects for HAU were also made possible by incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a 30% tax credit for both storage and solar installations. These projects are a prime example of how state and federal policies together can accelerate the clean energy transition, lower energy costs and increase grid reliability in a changing climate.
“Qcells’ solar and storage projects are an achievement for Connecticut manufacturing and for Eversource and UI ratepayers. Not only will Hanwha Aerospace USA benefit from demand charge savings on their electric bills and have backup power in case of an outage, but Connecticut ratepayers will also see the benefits that come from reduced strain on the grid,” said Sergio Carrillo, managing director of incentive programs at the Green Bank. “Energy Storage Solutions customers will send power from their batteries to the grid during times of peak demand in the summer and winter, which can help make the grid cleaner, cheaper and more reliable.”
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