Additionally, utility companies don’t need to connect to each of the storage units; instead, they can connect directly to the cloud. The Orison platform can help utility companies shift to a flexible, data-driven electric grid and reach out to every consumer, including high-density housing spaces where renewable energy is not a prerequisite. Based on utilities’ requirements, Orison can offer an aggregated data set in a specific region, which can then be used to change the units’ work on the customer side of the meter. “Having full visibility and control even beyond the meter, utility companies can ensure if a grid is operating the way that it should, thereby reducing the cost burden on end-customer,” underscores Clifton.

A Proven Record of Expertise

What makes Orison cut above the rest is the value it can create for both consumers and utility companies. Instead of viewing power storage as an entity separate from the grid, Orison takes a unified approach. Clifton believes utility companies will be able to offer better services to consumers once Orison starts selling its aggregated grid services. The founder-CEO says, “Our goal is to make a first-of-its-kind economical product that actually creates an entire upstream value.” The idea of such a storage solution, notably, came from Clifton’s long tenures at the master plan development and community planning team of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). And through the ‘lens of Orison,’ he wanted to transform the existing grids into sustainable ones.

Nevertheless, his journey would not have been successful without the creative thinking of his team at Orison. The engineering team is innovative and capable of thinking outside the box. Every member is good at strategic and thorough thinking necessary to develop a safe solution. For example, many countries consider it illegal to open the meter panel. To counteract this restriction, Orison has invented patented sensors that adhere to the face of the breaker.

The Journey Ahead

Having already proven its capabilities in test cases across different labs, Orison is now set for a global launch of its first product line, with a specific focus on the Australian and the U.S. market. Simultaneously, Orison is moving ahead with its plans on global expansion by opening in different markets with its channel partners. Orison has also received a second round of grants from the Department of Energy and NREL that has helped the company work through a new funding plan. Leveraging this grant, Orison is now pushing to be more innovative with its product release as the launch date is being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our current plan is to launch a reservation campaign in the coming months for the initial deployment (estimated for delivery) in October; and North America, UK, EU and Australian markets will be the initial focus. The product, although, will be available in most countries by next year,” concludes Clifton.