Abstract: An energy storage system (ESS) including a battery management system (BMS) arranged to monitor and control operations associated with charging and discharging electrical current from a storage element where the BMS is positioned within a cavity of a housing. A site controller coordinates operations of the ESS with a component of a power distribution system where the site controller is positioned within the housing's cavity. The storage element may include one or more battery cells. The ESS may include a frame defining the housing's cavity and including first and second side panels and a front access panel. The access panel may include at least one hinge in proximity to the first side panel where the hinge is arranged to prevent a portion of the hinge from extending beyond an edge of the first side panel as the access panel rotates from a closed position to an open position.