Community Battery
A utility-owned or community-owned battery storage system serving multiple homes, typically installed on distribution transformers. Provides shared backup and grid services without individual home batteries.
Why It Matters
Community batteries let solar homes benefit from storage without the $10,000-20,000 cost of a home battery. Pilot programs are expanding in several states.
Related Terms
Community Solar
A shared solar installation where multiple customers receive credits on their utility bills for their share of production.
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
A network of distributed energy resources (solar, batteries, EVs, smart appliances) coordinated by a central platform to provide grid services collectively, functioning like a power plant.
Battery Storage
A system that stores excess solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining, providing backup power during outages.