UL Solutions Introduces Certification Pathway for DC Energy Storage Systems, Simplifying Reviews of Modular Installations

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 20, 2026--

UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, today announced a new certification pathway designed to help manufacturers of modular direct current (DC) energy storage systems, used for backup power for critical infrastructure and grid-scale energy storage, bring systems to market with greater flexibility and clearer documentation for installation reviews.

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An energy storage system captures energy so it can be stored for later use and provides electricity to the grid or to a building’s wiring system. A battery energy storage system can help save energy by reducing the number of times electricity must be converted from one form to another, including conversion between alternating current (AC) and DC. It can also simplify the connection to solar panels, backup generators and other equipment. Many of these systems use a modular design, allowing manufacturers to combine different components for a project. However, confirming that those components work safely together can make certification and installation reviews more complex.

The new certification program offers manufacturers an alternative to seeking a full matched-assembly system listing at the outset. When a compatible subsystem is identified, the resulting certification documentation can provide manufacturers, developers and code authorities with information about the evaluated configuration.

“Modular energy storage designs require a clear way to demonstrate how the system and its critical subsystems work together,” said Wesley Kwok, vice president and general manager of the Energy and Industrial Automation group at UL Solutions. “This certification program gives manufacturers, developers and code authorities documented information about evaluated system combinations while supporting a more flexible approach to DC energy storage system design.”

Through the new certification program, UL Solutions evaluates the DC energy storage system with each identified subsystem to applicable requirements of UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment. The evaluation addresses electrical, communication and interoperability between the system and its evaluated subsystems. Compatible subsystem models are documented in the UL Product iQ ® certification database under the DC energy storage system certification category, allowing code authorities to verify evaluated combinations.

UL 9540 testing covers electrical, electrochemical, mechanical and other types of energy storage technologies used in systems intended to supply electrical energy. Its evaluation framework includes charging and discharging, protection, controls, communication between devices and other system-level considerations.

Learn more about UL Solutions energy storage system testing and certification services at UL.com/services/energy-storage-system-testing-and-certification.

About UL Solutions

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, advisory offerings and software solutions that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Modular DC battery energy storage systems can be configured with different components to meet project needs. The new UL Solutions certification pathway evaluates identified system combinations for electrical safety, communication and interoperability.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday announced a $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the U.S. government as they ramp up efforts to end the abuse of federal programs and dollars.

The White House said that under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, anyone who submits a tip that leads to a fraud conviction or a significant federal enforcement action is eligible to receive up to $30,000, and that the Justice Department will administer the program.

During the announcement, Trump said payments will amount to a 1% commission on the amount of fraud the tip helps uncover. Trump also said he will decide who gets reward money in cases where more than one person claims to have provided the tip.

“I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions,” Trump in the Oval Office with Vance and other administration officials standing behind him. “It'll be a binding arbitration.”

Trump said journalists could participate in the program.

The Republican president has undertaken an aggressive effort to eliminate fraud in government, establishing a task force on the topic in March and putting Vance in charge of it.

Critics have accused Trump and his family of profiting from the presidency through their many business ventures. The White House says Trump acts only with the best interests of the American people in mind.

Vance, who said his work leading the task force is “fun,” said tax dollars are being stolen.

“The president has said it must stop. It is stopping. And if you want to help us stop it, you get to share in the rewards," the vice president said.

The White House had said Trump would present a $10,000 check to Nick Shirley, a right-wing influencer who posted a video last year that said members of Minnesota’s Somali community were running fake childcare centers to collect federal subsidies. But a check was not given to Shirley in the presence of journalists.

The 24-year-old's video caught the attention of the Trump administration and conservative activists, though inspectors said the centers were operating as expected. Investigations, searches and arrests followed.

Shirley said during the event that fraud robs from poor and needy people.

“When you expose fraud, you help save America,” he said.

In July, Fahima Mahamud pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States by submitting inflated reimbursement claims for meals allegedly served to children at her childcare center, according to the Justice Department.

The White House says Mahamud was featured in Shirley's video.

Nick Shirley speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, during an event with President Donald Trump in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in Washington, as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Vice President JD Vance and Andrew Ferguson, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission listen. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump listens as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Vice President JD Vance speaks during a midterm campaign rally at Hyder Warehouse in Hendersonville, N.C., Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally at Heartland Credit Union Arena, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in Park City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)