In a landmark moment for renewable energy advancement, Blue Sky Utility celebrated the inauguration of its inaugural Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) coupled with a rooftop solar installation at Hanford Mall. This event marked the initiation of a transformative clean energy endeavor set to redefine the landscape of sustainable energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients across the United States.
The 2-megawatt-hour battery system, integrated with a 2-megawatt solar array meticulously installed by Blue Sky, signifies a pivotal shift towards renewable energy reliance for the management and tenants of Hanford Mall. This co-located system, operating in island mode, is poised to offer vital load backup to the mall and its occupants during utility outages, ensuring uninterrupted power supply even in the face of adversity.
Allon Raveh, Executive Chairman at Blue Sky, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This unique project is designed to provide to Hanford Mall energy from the sun, every evening after sunset. We are a pioneer in deploying creative solar and storage solutions in central locations, supporting grid resiliency and a better world for our people and our planet.”
While this venture marks Blue Sky’s maiden battery project, the company has outlined ambitious plans to proliferate battery installations nationwide. This strategic initiative aims to enhance resilience and mitigate reliance on environmentally detrimental fossil fuel backup generators, which pose challenges for property managers and businesses alike.
John Ruiz, Vice President of Infrastructure at Blue Sky, elaborated on the project’s technical aspects, stating, “The solar system we built on the roof of Hanford Mall produces approximately 8.5 megawatt-hour of power each day — sufficient to fully charge the 2 megawatt-hour battery — and supply electricity to the mall. The battery is planned to be fully charged daily during the sunlight hours and to discharge when the sun sets. It can also be used to replace polluting diesel generators when the power is out.”
Hanford Mall, with an average daily consumption of 8 megawatt-hours, is slated for further enhancements in resilience and solar power utilization. Blue Sky, in collaboration with Hanford Mall, is actively working on the installation of a third battery unit to bolster resilience and maximize solar energy utilization.
