International. According to a new report from Guidehouse Insights, "Building-to-Grid," the number of interactive buildings that generate solar power and are equipped with combined energy storage batteries worldwide is expected to increase from 67.9 million in 2022 to 202.5 million in 2031.
This implies a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9 %. Where market drivers include modernization, decarbonization goals, the rise of the energy prosumer, technological advancements, as well as supporting policies and regulations.
The Guidehouse Insights report looks specifically at the growth of grid-interactive buildings using three core technologies: demand response (DR), solar power generation, and battery energy storage.
"In the past, buildings simply consumed energy and grid operators adjusted supply to meet energy demand. Today, the proliferation of distributed energy (DER) resources, such as on-site solar PV, battery storage, and grid-connected appliances (for example, thermostats and water heaters), allows buildings to have bidirectional interactions with the grid."
Wendy Davis, senior research analyst at Guidehouse Insights, commented:
"Digitalization and technological advances have transformed the way buildings interact with the power grid. With these technologies, building owners have greater control and flexibility over their energy generation and consumption and are incentivized to deliver grid benefits, such as deballasting or shifting loads during periods of supply constraint."
Finally, the report also contemplates that this market faces several challenges, including uneven technology maturity and adoption, relatively low consumer awareness and acceptance, current energy business models and policies, and concerns about equipment interoperability and cybersecurity.
