Free, open-source software tools lower the barriers to entry for energy storage projects, both in terms of cost and required modeling skills. Many of these tools provide capabilities comparable to commercial software and allow users to customize parameters to generate project-specific analyses. Often backed by research institutions at the cutting-edge of innovation, users can expect regular updates that keep pace with evolving technology. For any utility planning or evaluating energy storage, exploring these tools will help produce analyses that lead to data-driven decision-making.

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ESET is a suite of applications developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to model, optimize, and evaluate energy storage systems.

The platform serves a wide range of users — including utilities, regulators, vendors, and researchers — and supports multiple technologies, including batteries, hydrogen, microgrids, flexible loads, and pumped hydropower. 

There are six modules, including the Battery Energy Storage Evaluation Tool (BSET) and Energy Storage for Resilience and Reliability (ES4R2).

BSET is the original and most comprehensive module in ESET. It supports both behind-the-meter (BTM) and grid services use cases, including energy arbitrage, frequency regulation, spinning reserve, and transmission and distribution (T&D) upgrade deferral. The tool offers three analysis modes: 

  • Evaluation – fixed sizing with detailed cost-benefit analysis 

  • Direct Sizing – searches within a user-defined parameter range using step sizes 

  • Sizing Exploration – search continuously within a defined range for the optimal sizing configuration 

SAM was developed by the National Lab of the Rockies (formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)) to conduct performance and financial analysis of energy systems, including battery storage. With this tool, users can evaluate the feasibility of different projects.

The model accounts for detailed aspects of a battery system, namely voltage characteristics, calendar, and cycle degradation. It also supports various dispatch strategies — from peak shaving and self-consumption to automated dispatch — for both behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter systems.

SAM generates detailed metrics, including:

  • Energy to and from the grid

  • PPA price and revenue

  • Curtailment payment and capacity payment revenue

  • Salvage value

  • Operating expenses segmented into fixed, capacity-based, and production-based expenses

  • Property tax, insurance, and land-lease expenses

  • Depreciation over multiple time periods

SAM serves utilities, policy analysts and lawmakers, developers, and researchers.

OpenDSS is a comprehensive suite of simulation tools for electric utility distribution systems developed by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

OpenDSS creates customized studies with results that include electrical quantities, voltage profiles, and power losses. With these results, users can identify bottlenecks and methods for optimizing system performance.

One of OpenDSS's key features is its time-series integration, which enables both high-resolution and multiyear analysis.

OpenDSS provides the capability to perform several different analyses/simulations:

  • Power Flow

  • Fault Studies

  • Harmonic Flow Analysis

  • Dynamics 

  • Load Parameter Variation

  • Geomagnetically Induced Current (GIC)

OpenDSS is compatible with a variety of software applications, including utilities’ existing distribution planning and analysis software.

As an added advantage of OpenDSS, it produces high-quality graphics that display results, making it easy to visualize trends, patterns, and outliers.

Beam Reach Group offers years of experience and subject matter expertise in grid modeling and energy storage planning. To learn more about how we can help your organization navigate complex energy planning challenges and maximize your investment, contact us.