Load shape: shifts, motors and peaks
A single-shift plant’s load resembles an office with heavier equipment; a three-shift plant runs around the clock, and solar will cover only daytime hours. Compressors, motors, welders and process heat set sharp peaks. Interval data from your utility — 15-minute demand readings — tells us far more than monthly totals.
Peak shaving with storage
A battery can discharge during demand spikes to cap the kW the utility sees, lowering demand charges if it’s sized and controlled against your actual pattern. It doesn’t always pay: a plant whose peaks are long and flat needs a very large battery to shave them. We model it from your interval data and show the case where it doesn’t work, too.
Storage stays eligible for §48E for projects starting construction through 2033, subject to sourcing rules on foreign entities of concern.
Roofs, ground and interconnection
Industrial roofs may be crowded with exhaust, dust collection and process equipment, or may have little spare structural capacity. Unused land on the site is often the better option for a ground mount. Larger systems may require utility interconnection studies and equipment upgrades that add time and cost; we request the utility’s preliminary review early.
Taxes, timing and building rules
For a taxable manufacturer, solar generally must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 for the §48E credit, and 100% bonus depreciation has been restored. Ask your CPA how the credit and depreciation interact for your company.
Manufacturing and industrial buildings have been treated differently from commercial buildings under Colorado’s building-performance rules; confirm your plant’s status with the Colorado Energy Office rather than assuming.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Why didn’t solar lower my demand charge?
Because demand is set by your highest short interval of use in the month, and that peak can occur on a cloudy day, at shift start or after sunset. Solar reliably reduces kWh; storage or load management targets demand.
What data do you need to size storage for peak shaving?
Twelve months of 15-minute interval data from your utility, plus rate schedules and any planned equipment changes. Monthly bills alone can’t show the shape of your peaks.
Can a battery keep production running during an outage?
Usually only for critical controls, IT and safety systems, not heavy process equipment. Full-plant backup is rarely economical with batteries; we design around the loads that truly can’t go down.
Will a large system need a utility study?
Often, depending on size and the local distribution circuit. Studies and upgrades can add months, which matters for the end-of-2027 solar deadline.
Is my plant covered by Colorado building performance standards?
Manufacturing and industrial buildings have been handled differently from commercial buildings under the state program. Confirm with the Colorado Energy Office.