At Mission Energy, we are committed to empowering nonprofits with the tools they need to achieve their sustainability goals. While many organizations are familiar with solar energy, battery storage is often less understood. So, what exactly is energy storage, and how can it benefit your nonprofit?

What is Battery Energy Storage?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) allow your organization to capture excess energy generated by solar panels and store it for later use. This stored energy can be accessed when your system isn’t producing, such as at night, during cloudy weather or even in the event of a grid outage. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type used in commercial solar applications today. Over the past decade, the cost of lithium-ion batteries has dropped significantly, making this technology more affordable for nonprofits looking to enhance their renewable energy systems.

How Solar + Battery Storage Works Together

Integrating battery storage with a solar energy system optimizes your energy efficiency, allowing your nonprofit to access the power it generates whenever it’s needed. Here’s how the two systems work together:

• Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

• Inverters: Transform the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which powers your nonprofit’s everyday operations.

• Battery Storage: Stores the excess electricity produced by solar panels, making it available when solar generation is low or demand is high.

• Energy Management System: Optimizes the use of both solar and battery power, ensuring efficient energy distribution across your facility.

The Benefits of Solar + Battery Storage for Nonprofits

Cost Savings

• Lower Energy Bills: By generating power on-site, solar panels reduce your electricity costs. Battery storage adds another layer of savings by allowing you to use stored energy during peak rate hours, a strategy known as “peak shaving.”

• Protection Against Rising Energy Costs: By producing your own energy, your nonprofit is less vulnerable to fluctuations in utility rates, ensuring more predictable and stable operating costs.

Energy Resilience and Reliability

• Continuous Operations: Solar + battery storage systems ensure your nonprofit stays operational during power outages, a critical feature for organizations like shelters, clinics and other essential services.

• Backup Power: Battery storage provides a reliable backup during outages, allowing your nonprofit to continue delivering critical services without disruption.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source that helps lower your nonprofit’s carbon emissions. By incorporating battery storage, you maximize the use of this sustainable resource.

• Leadership in Sustainability: Installing a solar + battery system signals your nonprofit’s commitment to environmental responsibility, boosting your reputation among donors, partners and supporters who prioritize sustainability.

Community Engagement and Education

• Educational Opportunities: Your solar + battery system can serve as an educational tool, demonstrating to your community how renewable energy works and inspiring others to consider sustainability in their own lives.

• Empowering the Community: By using sustainable energy, your nonprofit is better positioned to serve underserved or vulnerable populations, particularly during emergencies.

Long-Term Investment

• Increased Property Value: A solar + battery installation enhances the value of your facility, turning it into a long-term asset that benefits your organization both financially and operationally.

• Low Maintenance and Durability: Both solar panels + battery systems require minimal upkeep and have long lifespans, providing consistent energy savings with little effort.

Alignment with Mission and Values

• Supporting Your Mission: For nonprofits focused on social, environmental, or health-related issues, solar + battery storage reinforces your commitment to sustainability and community stewardship, amplifying your impact and aligning with your core mission.

By adopting solar + battery storage, your nonprofit can reduce costs, enhance energy reliability, and contribute to a more sustainable future—all while reinforcing its dedication to its mission and values. It’s a smart, long-term investment that benefits your organization and the communities you serve.

What does a solar + battery storage system look like?

Real Life Examples

The images below are from some of our recent projects with the American Red Cross. These resilience centers are a perfect example of how nonprofit organizations can utilize solar + battery storage systems to maintain community services during a power grid outage.

Images from left to right:

1. Overhead image of solar + battery storage system at Galilee Lutheran Church

2. Image with labels of the solar + battery storage system components at Galilee Lutheran Church

3. Overhead image of solar + battery storage system at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church

4. Image of the rooftop solar at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church

5. Close-up image of the battery cabinets at Galilee Lutheran Church

6. Interior of a battery cabinet at Galilee Lutheran Church

Interested in learning how solar, storage, and energy efficiency can benefit your organization?

Reach out for a consultation with our team to discuss your programs, facilities and property, and learn about your energy goals and limitations. We want to understand the services you’re seeking, your motivations, priorities, and timelines. Our consultation and initial analysis is at no charge to you.