>>> Permits for Tesla PowerWall & Other Energy Storage Systems

Does anyone know what basic physical DOB requirements and actual NYC permits are necessary for connecting an inverter and non-tesla branded PowerWall to a 200 Amp RESIDENTIAL brownstone service? Yes, I realize the whole system will need to be installed and permitted by a licensed electrician– Im just curious if the forum can clue-me-in before I ask my electrician.

jjq

in General Discussion 5 years and 2 months ago

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jjq | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Shhhhhh…

Don’t tell anyone about the following which occurred 3/27/2020….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zYnal4x1Z9U&feature=youtu.be

Find it all here:

https://nysolarmap.com/resources/webinars-and-podcasts/

Shhhhhhh…

Let’s let “the other-guy” pay all the high price electric costs.

MDR | 5 years and 2 months ago

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I believe that NYC does not allow energy storage within buildings so that could complicate things. I recommend talking to Brooklyn Solarworks since they have done this before.

jjq | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Yes.. Thank You. I do appreciate your input. I will have a chat with Brooklyn Solar.

I agree NYC permitting is not helpful (but necessary). The above links are a good place to start to understand the process.

I mentioned the manufacturers effort in the above post.

They (the manufacturers) need to get there equipment standardized and approved by each jurisdiction to make it easier for us to do Plug and Play.

The costs seem to be no longer an obstacle– By my calcs a 20kWh ESS that lasts for 10 years for $5K would cut my electric bill to about 20% of my current monthly nut with time shifting the battery charging.

greenworks | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Perhaps you missed my post that described NYCs process almost exactly as the permitting guide you posted does. What NYC requires is ALWAYS far more extensive than elsewhere.

It is apparent the process as of at least 2018 has not changed. Even if they do revise, it will not now, not ever be DIY. With any aspect. It will likely only be SLIGHTLY less onerous.

Maybe you are new to construction permitting in nyc, but we have the most onerous restrictions in the country, with almost no DIY work allowed beyond changing a light bulb. This goes double for electrical work and anything flammable, like batteries. With NYC population density and the particular concern about lithium ion and other batteries reigniting many hours after extinguishment if they explode, FDNY and DOB will always have a heavy hand.

Best of luck to you. Even if you have standard service with no solar, I would still reach out to Brooklyn Solar Works for the most up to date info on requirements. They had installed battery banks before and I’m certain they’ve done more for deep pocketed customers since.

jjq | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Just a final thought–

Hey, maybe I’m watching too many DIY youtube videos during the Covid-19 shutdown… But if the DIY-community has ALREADY done this in CA — I gotta believe the manufacturers are all over this, designing products which comply to all the national electric codes.

I’d bet it’s simply the state and local Governments across the USA (especially in NYC) which prevent wide-spread implementation.

jjq | 5 years and 2 months ago

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April 2018 “Permitting Guide”
https://nysolarmap.com/media/1911/lithium-ion_energy-storage-systems-permitting-process-guide-final4_26v1.pdf

December 2018 “Storage Guide”
https://www.coned.com/-/media/files/coned/documents/save-energy-money/using-private-generation/specs-and-tariffs/energy-storage-guide.pdf

Anyone actually IMPLEMENTED any of this…???

I ask because under ConEd’s “Time of Use” Tariff here in NYC– Time-Shifting (cost-shifting) may NOW actually be economically feasible for brownstone owners if there is no state or city red-tape.

Im looking at installing a 20kWh non-branded battery ESS PLUS a non-hybrid inverter/charger system (no solar tie in)– for aprox $5,000.00 all-in equipment cost!!!!

Theoretically, the above is a game-changer for me.

greenworks | 5 years and 2 months ago

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We installed solar about four years ago and I desperately wanted battery storage but at the time, you had to get something like two DOB approvals and go thru two separate FDNY approvals. Because of this, adding battery storage would have doubled install costs. FDNY is the biggest impediment here. Almost no one did it because of the hurdles/cost.

Brooklyn solar (who installed for us) at the time mentioned that nyserda was working on a report to streamline the process.but as of about two years ago it hadn’t been released and my interest faded.

I’d check with Brooklyn Solar. They’re an amazing company and one of the best contractors we’ve ever worked with. Best of luck.

jjq | 5 years and 2 months ago

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