The difference between energy storage project general contractors and system integrators

Image: RWE. The battery energy storage system (BESS) industry is changing rapidly as the market grows. At the heart of what is becoming a crowded and competitive market is the role of the system integrator: putting together the components and technologies that bring BESS projects to life.

One piece of IP held firmly to by system integrators and still considered an advantage is their expertise with energy management systems (EMS). System integrators have deep knowledge of the hardware required for BESS projects, which in turns makes them well qualified to know what sort of software will drive that hardware.

rgy, NEC Energy Solutions, and Fluence have historically been the leading system integrators. In the future, the system integrator landscape will further diversify, primarily driven by energy storage inverter manufacturers expanding their presence, targeting solar-plus-storage applications and existing pl

System integrators are diving deeper into understanding what is required of them within warranties and what their customers — often project developers — are looking for. The market is better trying to understand the whole after sales service piece, from operations and maintenance (O&M), to warranties. This is still a very “tailored” offering.

Another big addition to the core competency set of integrators is a focus on bundling up long-term services and creating customer peace of mind. System integrators are diving deeper into understanding what is required of them within warranties and what their customers — often project developers — are looking for.

new entrants to compete for market share th ough the industry's next phase of rapid growth.The competitive landscape is diversify-ing. With significant project pipelines dwarfing the existing installed base, energy storage inverter (power conver-sion system – PCS) manufacturers are expanding their presence targe