New Massachusetts law makes the state the third to mandate energy storage; OutBack and altE are offering their first free class on October 11th in Boxborough.

ARLINGTON, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OutBack Power Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced renewable energy systems and products, is teaming up with altE Store, a premiere solar electric distributor and reseller in Boxborough, Mass., to provide a class on October 11 that will help solar installers and interested homeowners learn about energy storage technologies and systems to better equip them for Massachusetts new law, H. 4568, signed by Governor Charlie Baker on August 8th. The law on energy diversity allows users to store and discharge energy as needed instead of purchasing or generating more expensive energy during times of peak demand.

H. 4568 was created as a comprehensive energy bill following the example of California and Oregon in setting energy storage targets to enhance the value of renewable electricity generation in those states. The Massachusetts law also defines the role of utilities with energy storage. As explained by Judith Judson, commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources upon the bills signing into law, "[E]nergy storage technology has the potential to be a game changer for the Massachusetts energy market, further cementing our place as a national clean energy leader. By pairing renewable energy resources with energy storage technology, this legislation will allow the Commonwealth to lower energy costs for ratepayers, shave our peak demand energy usage, and reduce our states carbon emissions."

To make that potential a reality, altE Store in Boxborough, Mass. and off-grid industry leader OutBack Power will offer a free class on home energy storage for both solar professionals as well as interested home and small business owners. "Get Ready for the Future of Energy Storage Technology in Massachusetts" will cover all the essentials, including:

Battery technologies
Introduction to battery-based PV systems—How are they different?
Sizing and selecting the right system for the application—what you need to know
Questions, answers and next steps
This free class will take place on Tuesday, October 11, from 9:00am-Noon at the Holiday Inn, 242 Adams Place, Boxborough, Mass. 01719. Those interested can sign up online here.

"OutBack Power developed its expertise in the demanding off-grid world, and used that to perfect its Grid/Hybrid technology, which assists the developed world in achieving energy independence and security," noted Mark Cerasuolo, director of training and marketing for the brand. "In that respect, the same products powering net-zero office buildings in India and a winery in Oregon are ideal for the Bay States needs, where there is a lot of solar deployed—about 400 projects every week—and outages due to bad weather have been increasing. During Hurricane Sandy, in fact, Massachusetts was already number 4 in the ‘top 10 solar states according to the Solar Electric Industries Association, with enough PV to power nearly 40,000 homes—yet almost all of that electricity potential was stranded on the rooftop without energy storage on-hand to make it useable after the grids went down."

Continued Cerasuolo, "With the new storage-friendly legislation signed in the state, were looking forward to working with altE Store in bringing the solution to homeowners and installers. With behind-the-meter storage, they can self-consume all the solar electricity they can produce to offset their utility costs, day and night, as well as power through protracted outages and emergencies. Energy storages time has come in Massachusetts—which is why were coming there in early October to help altE Store spread the word."

About OutBack Power Technologies
OutBack Power Technologies, a member of The Alpha Group, is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications. Founded in 2001 with an emphasis on product performance and innovation, OutBack is now a brand leader in the renewables industry, backed by the resources of the 40-year-old Alpha Group. OutBack is established as the first choice of professionals designing systems for harsh environmental conditions and applications where reliability is paramount. Whether the application is village micro-grids in Africa, rural electrification projects in Latin America, remote off-grid cabins in Alaska, or a suburban home in Southern California, OutBack Power Technologies has set the bar for delivering advanced power conversion electronics. OutBack products and systems are sold through a network of distributors serving advanced solar installers around the globe. Famous for its legendary power electronics, OutBack is also a leader in the rapidly-growing field of energy storage for PV systems. For more information, please visit www.outbackpower.com.

About altE Store
altE https://www.altestore.com/store/ was founded in 1999 by three impassioned engineers focused on bringing renewable energy to the web and to the DIY enthusiast by reducing the costs of green energy systems and revealing the truths of how home-based solar and wind energy systems can be designed and installed. They set out to build an online community and support that community with extensive, free educational materials, competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff and unbounded enthusiasm. Today, altE provides customers with a select choice of renewable energy brands as well as quality renewable energy training. The retail arm, altE Store, services Do-It-Yourselfers, Off-Grid'ers, hobbyists, and students with superb knowledge and friendly service, while the wholesale division, altE Direct, provides personal service and expertise to professional installers and system integrators.