Sharp Offers SmartStorage Energy Storage Solution

Sharp Electronics Corporation’s Energy Systems and Services Group (Sharp ESSG) announced that its behind-the-meter SmartStorage® energy storage solution was selected to be installed at ILM Tool’s 25,000-sq. ft. machine shop to help offset its growing peak demand usage. ILM Tool handles quick turnaround prototype and production run orders for sheet metal manufacturing, plastic milling and machining, as well as thermoforming for a wide range of industries.  Synergy Power, a Bay Area solar PV installer, installed the 30 kW/40 kWh SmartStorage® system and integrated it with a 113.4 kW solar PV system.

“We produce a number of prototypes for a variety of clients, so energy usage is always part of our bottom line,” said ILM Tool CEO Joe Ilmberger. “We were looking for the ideal solar and storage solution to meet our energy needs, especially during peak production times. The Sharp SmartStorage® solution coupled with solar was – as we say around the shop – a perfect fit.”

Sharp’s SmartStorage® system uses sophisticated, predictive analytics and controls to manage the release of stored electricity from its batteries at the times of highest demand (which have the most expensive utility rates). As ILM Tool’s demand starts to increase – which can be triggered from the use of heavy industrial machinery – a rapid power discharge is triggered to mitigate spikes in demand usage, thus reducing the amount of utility charges. Estimates show that ILM Tool’s SmartStorage® system is expected to decrease the facility’s demand by approximately 240 kW annually.

The SmartStorage® system is also backed by Sharp’s optional 10-year Asset Management Service Agreement, which provides routine and unscheduled maintenance, coupled with a 10-year demand reduction performance guarantee. If guaranteed demand reductions are not met within the terms of the agreement, Sharp will compensate for the deficit in promised peak demand reductions.

About Sharp Electronics Corporation’s Energy Systems and Services Group

Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC) is the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer and manufacturer of one-of-a-kind premium technology products. SEC’s Energy Systems and Services Group (ESSG) is the division of SEC that focuses on developing innovative energy management products for the U.S. market. ESSG introduced the SmartStorage® behind-the-meter energy storage system, an energy storage solution designed to reduce peak demand usage for commercial and industrial buildings. Sharp’s industry-first 10-year performance guarantee is included with their 10-year operations and maintenance service agreement, an option available for all SmartStorage® system installations.

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