NABCEP ESIP Provides a Pathway to NY State Energy Storage Incentives

As New York State accelerates its ambitious clean energy goals, including 6 GW of energy storage by 2030, qualified professionals will be in high demand to implement energy storage systems properly and safely. The NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification has become a critical credential in this rapidly growing market—particularly for those looking to participate in New York’s Residential and Retail Energy Storage Market Acceleration Incentives Program.

Program Basics

The New York State Residential and Retail Energy Storage Market Acceleration Incentives Program provides financial incentives for the installation of new grid-connected distributed residential and nonresidential energy storage systems. These incentives are structured as fixed-rate incentives per kWh of system energy capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects must be new, permanent, and stationary. 

The Critical Builder Role and Required Qualifications

For contractors looking to participate in the residential program aspect, approval for the Builder role is necessary. According to the Program Manual, NYSERDA requires Builders to employ at least one technically competent credentialed installer with one of four specified credentials.

Here’s where the NABCEP ESIP Certification becomes especially valuable:

1. NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification – This is the only credential that qualifies on its own.

The other three options require documentation of 30 hours of advanced energy storage-specific training in addition to their credentialing certificate:

2. NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification
3. IBEW-NECA Electrical Journeyman & Apprentice Training
4. UL (Underwriters Labs) PV System Installer

What Does the ESIP Certification Entail?

To qualify to sit for the NABCEP ESIP exam, applicants must:

• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of OSHA Outreach Training Program for the Construction Industry training 
• Complete at least 58 hours of advanced energy storage training, like HeatSpring’s NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification Prep bundle 
• Completion of energy storage projects in a decision-making role within the last 2 calendar years, equaling at least 6 Project Credits
  • System size of 1 – 80 kWh = 1 Project Credit
  • System size of 81 to 999 kWh = 2 Project Credits
  • System size of 1 MWh and up = 3 Project Credits

Builder Responsibilities in the NY Program

Once certified and approved as a Builder in the program, you’ll be responsible for:

• Installation and quality of the project
• Adhering to the terms of the Builder-Contractor Relationship Agreement
• Maintaining employment of at least one technically competent certified installer holding one of the four certification options described above
• Following NYSERDA’s Contractor Code of Conduct
• Ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations

A Growing Market Opportunity

New York’s commitment to energy storage continues to grow. In early 2025, the Public Service Commission approved NYSERDA’s updated Retail and Residential Energy Storage Program Implementation Plan, allocating substantial funding to support these initiatives. The Retail Program has allocated $675 million for incentives, while the Residential Program has been allocated $100 million.

For energy professionals looking to expand their business into the New York energy storage market, getting your NABCEP ESIP certification offers the most direct path to qualification in the state’s incentive program. With ambitious state goals and substantial funding allocated to energy storage deployment, Board Certified ESIP professionals will play a key role in New York’s clean energy transition. Time to get studying!

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To get started on your ESIP training, enroll in the NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification Prep bundle. To learn more about New York’s Retail Energy Storage Market Acceleration Incentives Program, visit NYSERDA’s website.