At this year’s NABCEP conference, our Head of Product for North America, Ram Bhat, joined SUNCAST Media to explore the future of energy storage in a post–NEM 3.0 world—highlighting why it’s no longer just about backup. Drawing on decades of experience in product design, fuel cells, and conversion technologies, Ram shared a perspective rooted in both technical depth and user empathy.
In this blog, we’ve captured key takeaways from the conversation, spotlighting how Ram sees the evolving role of energy storage—and how those insights are shaping the way we build at TeraHive.
Navigating the Post-NEM 3.0 Energy Landscape
Energy storage used to be driven by backup needs and generous solar incentives. But as Ram pointed out, that’s no longer the case—especially in states like California where NEM 3.0 has reshaped the economics of solar.
“You used to get 30 cents per kilowatt-hour for export. Now it’s closer to 4 cents,” he said. “It’s better to store and use it later.”
That shift, according to Ram, has created anew customer mindset—one that’s focused less on rebates and more on long-term return. For battery systems to make sense today, they have to do more than just sit idle waiting for a blackout. They need to optimize when and how power is used, every single day.
Load Shifting Is Now a Core Use Case
This is where load shifting becomes essential. For homeowners under TOU (Time-of-Use) rates, the ability to store energy when it’s cheap and use it when prices spike is what makes energy storage pay off. But most homeowners aren’t energy experts—and Ram is clear-eyed about that.
“The average homeowner thinks about electricity for maybe seven minutes a year,” he noted.
To truly serve this market, Ram believes that systems must act on behalf of the user—without requiring them to manually toggle settings or watch the weather. In short: energy storage needs to be intelligent, intuitive, and largely invisible.
A Software-First, Homeowner-First Philosophy
“We’re a software-first, homeowner-first company,” Ram said.
That philosophy is embedded in how TeraHive approaches product design.
From the beginning, Ram and the product team focused on autonomous operation—not just app dashboards. Features like Smart Mode in our TeraHive Home application anticipate homeowner behavior and external conditions (like weather or electricity pricing) to adjust system behavior in real time. The system decides when to charge, when to discharge, and when to shift modes—all without a single tap.
This, Ram believes, is the only way to make storage meaningful to the average household.
Reducing Complexity—For Everyone
Of course, intelligence on its own isn’t enough. If the system is too complex to install or maintain, no one benefits.
That’s why Ram also emphasizes simplicity in hardware architecture. TeraHive’s use of DC-coupled systems, modular components, and built-in MID capabilities is all aimed at making installs faster, cleaner, and less error-prone.
“We want to be done in a day,” he said. “Fewer boxes, fewer wires, fewer chances for something to go wrong.”
This balance of smart software and streamlined hardware is what Ram sees as the future: systems that are powerful under the hood, but frictionless in use.
Support That Matches the Technology
A seamless energy experience doesn’t stop at setup—it extends into everyday use. For Ram, that means putting just as much thought into service and support as product development.
“We have a U.S.-based customer support team with an SLA of less than 24 hours,” Ram shared. “If there’s a problem, we’ll resolve it quickly. Whether it’s shipping a new battery or replacement hardware, we’ll take care of it without unnecessary red tape. It’s all about supporting the installer and the homeowner.”
TeraHive’s app offers intuitive dashboards and monthly reports that give users easy visibility into their energy use—without requiring them to micromanage the system.
And in a turbulent market, warranty strength and long-term backing matter more than ever. With over 50 years of history behind it, TeraHive’s parent company provides stability newer brands can’t always guarantee.
“Unlike some companies that might not outlast their own warranties, we’re here for the long run,” Ram said.
Open Platforms, Not Closed Ecosystems
One of Ram’s more provocative viewpoints is around compatibility.
While many in the industry build closed hardware/software ecosystems, Ram sees greater value in openness. He compares it to the early days of computing—where the most powerful platforms weren’t locked down, but designed to work with others.
“Eventually, we’ll support all kinds of battery vendors,” he said. “We’re building for flexibility, not control.”
By decoupling the EMS (Energy Management System) from the battery itself, Ram believes TeraHive can help partners better serve local markets with differing code requirements, available inventory, and installation practices.
Next for TeraHive
Looking ahead, Ram shared that the roadmap is focused on expanding system flexibility and homeowner value, including:
· An upcoming all-in-one system with built-in MID
· Bidirectional EV charging support
· Modular sizing options to meet a variety of household needs
These aren’t just features for the sake of features. They reflect Ram’s core belief: that energy storage should fit into people’s lives—not the other way around.
As Ram reminded us in this interview, this industry isn’t standing still. Between regulatory shifts, rising expectations, and new technologies, energy storage is evolving—and fast.
But for those willing to lead with intelligence, simplicity, and real empathy for the homeowner experience, the opportunity is massive.
Click to watch the full SUNCAST interview
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