Energy Toolbase, a leading software platform for the energy industry, has partnered with Stellar Solar, a renowned San Diego-based solar company, to implement an advanced energy management solution at a 23-acre transportation terminal in Mira Loma, California. This collaborative effort aims to significantly reduce demand charges and optimize energy consumption for the facility, resulting in substantial long-term electricity bill savings.
The project leverages Energy Toolbase’s Acumen EMSTM controls software, which is designed to manage and optimize energy usage. In addition, BYD’s innovative battery solutions play a crucial role in storing and discharging energy, effectively smoothing out demand peaks and reducing energy costs. Stellar Solar, a long-time customer of Energy Toolbase, utilized the company’s project modeling platform, ETB Developer, to accurately predict the potential savings of the project before implementation. This allowed Stellar Solar to present a compelling case to their client and ensure the project’s success.
Energy Toolbase facilitated the rapid procurement and installation of a 60kW, 4-hour BYD Chess energy storage system (ESS). This system seamlessly integrates with the Acumen EMS controls software to complement the facility’s existing 197kW solar system. The primary application of the ESS is Time-of-Use (TOU) Demand Charge Management, which aims to optimize peak-shaving during different TOU periods. Acumen EMS calculates demand thresholds for each period, and the battery discharges to keep the site’s metered demand below these thresholds, maximizing the value of the energy assets.
“When we installed PV for Marten Transport in 2019, we knew it would cover their baseline electricity needs, but it wouldn’t have much impact on the large demand charges they were receiving from the utility,” explained Brian Grems, founding partner of Stellar Solar. “By adding the BYD batteries, Marten now has a comprehensive solution to address both their baseline electricity consumption as well as the demand spikes. We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with ETB. The ETB Developer tool really helped make this project a winner.”
The real-time performance and savings of the system are easily accessible to Stellar Solar and key stakeholders through ETB Monitor, a comprehensive tool that provides insights into the ESS’s operations. This data enables continuous assessment and optimization of the system.
“We are thrilled to partner with Stellar Solar and BYD to deliver a cutting-edge energy storage solution for the facility in Mira Loma,” said Kevin Mulvey, Vice President of Operations at Energy Toolbase. “This project demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative energy solutions that drive significant cost savings and operational efficiency in California.”
This successful collaboration between Energy Toolbase, Stellar Solar, and BYD exemplifies the potential of advanced energy management solutions to achieve significant cost reductions and promote sustainable energy practices. The project serves as a model for other businesses seeking to optimize their energy consumption and reduce their environmental impact.
About Energy Toolbase
Energy Toolbase is an industry-leading software platform offering a comprehensive suite of project estimating, storage control, and asset monitoring products. These products empower solar and storage developers to efficiently deploy projects, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. Energy Toolbase’s SaaS solutions are utilized by over 1,000 distributed energy organizations globally.
About Stellar Solar
Since 1998, Stellar Solar has been a trusted provider of solar energy solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Recognized as a premier solar installer in California, Stellar Solar has completed over 16,000 installations, including notable projects at Cedars Sinai Hospital, The Salk Institute, US Foods, and the United States Navy. Stellar Solar’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them consistent recognition as the Best Solar Company in San Diego, solidifying their reputation as a dependable choice for solar and battery installations in the region.
About BYD
BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a leading global electric vehicle company with a focus on creating a truly zero-emission ecosystem. Their innovative technology encompasses cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, rail systems, solar electricity generation, energy storage, and battery-electric vehicles powered by clean energy. With over 220,000 employees worldwide, including nearly 1,000 in North America, BYD is dedicated to driving sustainable transportation and energy solutions for a greener future.
