How to finance energy storage

Why do energy storage projects need project financing?

The rapid growth in the energy storage market is similarly driving demand for project financing. The general principles of project finance that apply to the financing of solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects.

Can you finance a solar energy storage project?

Since the majority of solar projects currently under construction include a storage system, lenders in the project finance markets are willing to finance the construction and cashflows of an energy storage project. However, there are certain additional considerations in structuring a project finance transaction for an energy storage project.

How is utility-scale storage financing done?

Utility-scale storage can be financed alone or as part of a portfolio that includes other assets. Financing the storage project in this way allows lenders to diversify risk across the portfolio of projects. Revenues from more established technologies can cross-collateralise the obligations of the storage provider.

Should storage projects be funded?

One large missing piece has been funding. Storage projects are risky investments: high costs, uncertain returns, and a limited track record. Only smart, large-scale, low-cost financing can lower those risks and clear the way for a clean future.

Will a tax credit be available for energy storage projects?

However, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, tax credits are now available for standalone energy storage systems, and thus lenders may be willing to provide bridge capital that is underwritten based on the receipt of proceeds from an anticipated tax equity investment, similar to renewable energy projects.

Is energy storage a solution?

The energy storage industry has made great progress in developing technology, standards, and market policies and is poised to offer solutions to rapidly changing energy markets. Currently, energy storage as a solution is more inhibited by project financing than by the technology itself.