Open Architecture for Battery Interfaces: Opportunities for Technological Advancements and Community Benefits

The rapid expansion of PV systems paired with BESS presents a unique opportunity to mitigate the challenges posed by the variability in renewable energy output. However, as the complexity of these integrated systems increases, the interoperability of key components and the technical decisions made by providers, such as whether to adopt more open or closed systems, become critical. This study explores industry professionals’ preferences regarding open versus closed systems, identifying 6 key factors influencing these preferences. Empirical findings indicate a preference for open systems among industry professionals and end-users alike. This preference for open architecture arises as it offers significant advantages in terms of improved system performance, lower operational costs, easier integration, and better alignment with end-user needs. This research contributes to the understanding of system architecture in the PV industry and highlights the importance of open systems for both industry professionals and end-users.