Lessons from operating a BESS for the first time: real-world insights

Deploying a battery energy storage system (BESS) follows a structured process, from financial modeling and site selection to interconnection planning, procurement, installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations. While many energy companies have experience managing generation assets and grid interactions, operating large-scale batteries introduces distinct challenges.

For teams accustomed to traditional generation or direct grid reliance, BESS operation requires a different approach. Safety remains the top priority, while operators must also manage system reliability, performance, and costs.

This pv magazine Webinar will examine the challenges and insights gained from operating a 40.6 MWh co-located BESS with a 20 MW solar PV system. The project, owned by InterEnergy, is the largest BESS in the Central American and Caribbean region. While InterEnergy has extensive experience with motor generators, integrating battery storage with solar required adjustments in operations and management strategies.

Laura Perez Amigo, operations manager at InterEnergy, will discuss how the team navigated operational unknowns, optimized battery dispatch, and analyzed performance trends. Laura will also outline how Twaice’s analytics platform supported performance monitoring, degradation analysis, and cost management.

Additional perspectives will come from Ryan Franks, senior solution engineer at Twaice, who will provide insights into performance analytics, and Vijandren Naidoo of Brookfield Renewable, part-owner of InterEnergy, who will discuss the role of storage in broader energy portfolios.

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of the shift from conventional generation to BESS, key operational challenges, and how data-driven insights support efficiency, reliability, and cost management in energy storage

pv magazine Webinar content

• Real-world insights – Industry experts will present challenges and lessons learned in operating a BESS commissioning in 2024.
• Operational best practices – Understand how to optimize BESS performance, integrate it with PV systems, and navigate operational hurdles.
• Data-driven decision-making – How analytics software like Twaice enhances battery performance, reduces costs, and improves reliability.
• Future-proofing strategies – Gain insights into emerging BESS trends, cost reductions, and government mandates shaping the industry.
• Live Q&A

Questions can be submitted beforehand in the comments window when registering or in the chat during the webinar. Tristan Rayner, editor at pv magazine, will be the moderator of this webinar.