Safety Distance of Energy Storage Containers: What You Need
A 2023 NFPA study found containers using LFP chemistry require 25% less buffer space than NMC batteries. That''s the difference between storing your system in a backyard
1 Container or containers shall be at least 10 feet from any building on adjoining property, any sidewalk, or any of the exposures described in § 1910.110 (f) (6) (i) (c) or (d) of this paragraph. (ii) Containers shall be in a suitable enclosure or otherwise protected against tampering. (7) Fire protection.
Individual ESS units shall have a maximum stored energy of 20 kWh per NFPA Section 15.7. NFPA 855 clearly tells us each unit can be up to 20 kWh, but how much overall storage can you put in your installation? That depends on where you put it and is defined in Section 15.7.1 of NFPA 855.
Therefore, if you install multiple storage units, you have to space them three feet apart unless the manufacturer has already done large-scale fire testing and can prove closer spacing will not cause fire to propagate between adjacent units.
Updates and resources can be found on the Working Group's webpage. You can download NYSERDA's New York City [PDF] factsheet to learn more about energy storage regulations in New York City. The Trainings for Local Governments page offers additional resources including recordings and materials from NYSERDA's battery energy storage system trainings.
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Get detailed specifications, case studies, and technical data for our PV container and energy storage solutions.
123 Renewable Energy Street
London EC1A 1BB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7127 4182
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT