Cutting-Edge Demonstration of Low-Cost, Advanced Smart Home Panels paired with Portable Batteries at Multi-Family Affordable Housing Units

November 26th, 2024 - A new cost effective, resilient approach using load-shedding smart electric panels and modular plug-in batteries will make electrification retrofits possible without service upgrades at power-constrained affordable housing apartments. This solution will provide load controls that enable grid services and resiliency during power outages, including an emergency mode planned to provide backup power for up to five days compared to the industry standard of four hours. Partners Prospect Silicon Valley (ProspectSV), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), IDeAs Consulting, Redwood Energy, The Danco Group, and EcoFlow Technology Inc will kick off the demonstration project in November, which will span two years. This project will serve as an excellent showcase of how to address the need for electrical service upgrades in existing buildings, supporting California's decarbonization goals.

The project team will design and install a series of EcoFlow advanced smart panels integrated with ‘plug-and-play’ batteries at a set of The Danco Group’s dwelling units. The units are located at the Courtyards of Arcata (Arcata, CA), North America’s first apartment complex to provide tenants’ apartments with their own PV arrays, and Willow Creek Apartment communities (Willow Creek, CA). To expand the impact of this demonstration, Redwood Energy, a leading community-oriented design firm specializing in all-electric and net-zero energy housing, will retrofit each demonstration apartment with heat pumps, 240V induction stoves, and electric dryers. Apartment units will also have the capability to disconnect from the grid/building and operate islanded plug-in batteries and solar PV generation through the smart home panel, powering only essential circuits. These low-income multifamily housing developments are an ideal location for demonstrating this power electronics design, providing a new method to expand capacity to accommodate decarbonization at tenant spaces without the need for electrical service upgrades.

According to Sean Armstrong, Managing Principal of Redwood Energy, “Asbestos in the drywall, lead paint, cabinetry and the lack of crawl spaces makes it challenging to rewire apartments, while delivering more power through service upgrades is expensive and delays electrification for many months. I’m so excited we are showcasing a range of technical solutions--smart panels, power-efficient appliances and batteries--to electrifying apartments. Other developers and design consultants can see this demonstration of practical pathways and avoid needless costs and delays to electrifying.”

“I’m so excited we are showcasing a range of technical solutions--smart panels, power-efficient appliances and batteries--to electrifying apartments. Other developers and design consultants can see this demonstration of practical pathways and avoid needless costs and delays to electrifying.”

- Sean Armstrong, Redwood Energy

This project will address economic and technical barriers including the high upfront cost of battery energy storage systems, cost of potential electrical service upgrades, load management of selective circuits, and backup power. The project team will employ a local and regional engagement strategy throughout the course of this effort. Through Redwood Energy and Danco, benefits from the demonstration will be connected to both site residents and the surrounding local communities. Additionally, results and resources will be distributed through a network of community partners and regional organizations to multifamily building owners, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders across the State.

About the Project Partners

Prospect Silicon Valley (ProspectSV) is a nonprofit cleantech innovation and impact hub focusing on decarbonization technologies, transition strategies, and deployments. ProspectSV helps solution providers and institutions take innovative approaches from pilots to full-scale implementation. ProspectSV’s deep connection to asset ownership, design, and technology development leadership offers immediate, tangible value and path to success. We approach projects differently - forging teams of experts and providing integrated support ranging from commercialization advisory to pilot implementations and program management. Since its inception, ProspectSV has collaborated with more than 60 local government and institutional partners, supported more than 70 cleantech startups, and leveraged more than $600M in public and private investment to drive innovations in transportation and the built environment.

Redwood Energy is a 13-year-old partnership and certified microbusiness with 14 staff from diverse backgrounds. We are a collaborative, innovative design firm that has worked on more than 400 all-electric, solar powered apartment complexes, which was 2/3rds of the all-electric apartments built in California between 2012 and 2019, and one in four Zero Net Energy residences built North American between 2012 and 2020.

IDeAs Consulting’s vision is to continue to develop innovative cutting edge concepts for electrical systems that lead the building industry to more sustainable, zero carbon buildings. We work to design buildings that are cost effective, yet are healthier, are more comfortable and better for the environment. Our experience includes commercial, civic, educational and multifamily residential projects. Our services and areas of deep green electrical expertise are listed under services.

EcoFlow Technology Inc was born out of the dream of a group of battery engineers in 2017. Amid the global transition towards renewable energy, we lead the way forward with industry-leading portable power products, solar technology, and smart home energy solutions. Our mission from day one is to provide smart and eco-friendly energy solutions for individuals, families, and society at large. We are, were, and will continue to be a reliable and trusted energy companion for users around the world.

The Danco Group delivers the best in development, construction, and property management to ensure we can all be proud of the place we call home. Committed to honoring our promise with the highest quality of work and service, we seek opportunities that will help elevate our communities and lift our residents higher.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Grid Integration Group works to make the planning, operation, security, and de-carbonization of the evolving smart electric grid compatible with the requirements of electric system grid operators and electric utility companies while serving the needs of customers.

Figure 1: Conceptual diagram of off-grid operation of smart home panel with plug-in batteries, building flexible loads, and interruptible circuit loads