Brooklyn SolarWorks, the New York City based solar developer and installer, has successfully installed the first residential battery energy storage system (BESS) within city limits.

Located in Chinatown, the landmark project pairs a 19.6 kilowatt-hour battery system with a solar canopy and represents a monumental step forward for clean energy and urban resilience.

The Briggs & Stratton AccESS energy storage system, the only residential storage system permitted for installation on New York City’s rooftops, was installed as a complimentary feature on an existing solar canopy – Brooklyn SolarWorks’ patented design that maximizes solar production in urban settings.

New York City’s notoriously restrictive permitting guidelines for residential BESS systems have held back residential BESS, making this project a significant victory for the industry and for homeowners seeking energy independence.

This system came online after a nearly eight-year effort by Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton to not just navigate the city’s complex regulatory hurdles but assist in developing the city’s permitting framework surrounding the siting and installation of residential energy storage in New York City.

Vice President of Energy Storage, Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions, Sequoya Cross’ statement

Sequoya Cross, Vice President of Energy Storage for Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions explained: “We’ve spent years working with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and New York City government agencies to enable residential battery storage for New Yorkers.

“Our AccESS system is the only residential ESS to receive a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

“The COA is significant since New York has some of the most stringent fire safety rules for energy storage systems anywhere in the world.

“Since they produce very little heat and have a reduced risk of thermal runaway, our batteries don’t require additional fire suppression systems or cooling or ventilation measures.”

With distributed energy sources contributing a growing share of power, BESS serves as a cornerstone of grid stability.

Homeowners with BESS could soon be financially incentivized to discharge their batteries during peak demand, ensuring the grid’s stable operations.

Even now, these systems offer homeowners crucial protection against outages. 

Founder and CEO, Brooklyn SolarWorks, T. R Ludwig’s statement

Brooklyn SolarWorks Founder and CEO T.R Ludwig shared: “This installation is a testament to our commitment to bringing innovative, clean energy solutions to New York City.

“Our team led the charge on rooftop solar in this city a decade ago and now we have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for BESS infrastructure, which the city will need as energy demand continues to rise.

“We are incredibly proud to have made this groundbreaking project a reality.”

Building Owner, Bruce Langone’s statement

Building Owner, Bruce Langone commented: “Energy storage, when combined with solar, makes New York City’s homes more resilient and strengthens our city’s grid.

“This project has laid the groundwork for millions of families in the five boroughs to take control of their energy needs.

“It’s an honor to host the city’s first residential battery system and I am grateful to Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton for their persistence in bringing this vision to life.”

With this installation, Brooklyn SolarWorks and Briggs & Stratton created the framework for battery energy siting in New York City.

Their heavy lifting has opened opportunities for residents across the five boroughs to pursue BESS installations for their homes, offering a new level of energy security for homeowners and strengthening the resilience of the city’s energy grid.