All you need to know about solar energy storage

Even the most enthusiastic supporters of solar power acknowledge one significant drawback: solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is up. This creates a challenge since energy demand often spikes in the evenings, just as solar energy production drops. However, during sunny hours when demand is lower, solar panels can produce surplus energy, more than enough to cover peak evening demands. The key to leveraging this surplus lies in effective solar energy storage, which can unlock numerous opportunities for both homeowners and businesses.

 

In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the topic of solar energy storage, exploring its advantages and the tools available for integrating it into solar installations.

 

What advantages does solar energy storage offer?

 

• Evening out energy distribution: Without storage, electricity needs immediate use as it's produced. However, storing excess energy enables its use during peak times. For renewables, this means keeping the power on even when the sun sets or the wind ceases. Essentially, energy storage acts as a reservoir, filling up when production exceeds demand and being tapped into when the situation reverses.

• Bridging interruptions: Short-term storage of solar energy ensures a steady supply even when there are minor hiccups in production, like cloud cover or during maintenance periods.

• Enhancing grid stability: The power grid faces risks from various disruptions, from natural disasters to technical failures. Solar energy storage offers a buffer against these events by diversifying energy sources, promoting a more resilient energy system.

• Shrinking your carbon footprint: By optimizing the use of solar energy through battery storage, you can significantly lower your property's reliance on fossil fuel-based energy. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows you to power your electric vehicles and household appliances directly with solar energy, making your home more eco-friendly.

• Cutting down on electricity bills: In states lacking favorable solar net energy metering policies, or where compensation for solar energy fed back into the grid isn't adequate, battery storage stands out as a cost-saving solution. It lets you use more of the solar energy you produce, reducing your reliance on the grid, especially during expensive peak hours. This way, the solar energy you've generated and stored can offset your need for grid electricity, leading to substantial savings.

• Navigating the California Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3): A key aspect of NEM 3 is the introduction of higher charges for electricity used during "peak" hours (4pm – 9pm) and lower rates for off-peak hours, with the lowest export rates offered midday when solar production is high. This setup incentivizes storing solar energy in batteries during the day to use during the more costly peak hours, maximizing the financial benefits of your solar investment.

 

What methods are used to store solar energy?

 

Solar energy storage falls into three main types: battery, thermal, and mechanical storage. Here's a brief overview of each category.

 

What is battery storage?

 

Battery storage is key for residential solar energy setups. It captures excess solar power, storing it for later use when sunlight is scarce. This process involves a chemical reaction within the battery, allowing it to both store and discharge energy as needed.

 

Most commonly, lithium-ion batteries are employed in solar applications. However, ongoing advancements in battery technology promise more affordable and scalable solutions for energy storage. This growth in technology is projected to significantly increase U.S. energy storage capacity by 2025, with estimates suggesting a market worth $7.3 billion.

 

In essence, battery storage enhances the reliability and sustainability of solar energy for residential use, paving the way for a brighter energy future.

 

What is Thermal Storage?

 

Thermal storage involves utilizing different mediums like water or molten salt to capture and retain heat from sunlight. This stored heat is then kept in an insulated tank until it's required, typically for purposes such as boiling water to generate energy.

 

What is Mechanical Storage?

 

Mechanical energy storage taps into the potential energy of an object to produce electricity. It involves converting excess electrical power into mechanical power, which can then be converted back into electricity when needed. There are three main mechanical energy storage systems:

 

• Flywheel: This method uses surplus electricity to spin a flywheel, storing kinetic energy. When required, the spinning flywheel generates electricity to meet sudden energy demands, particularly during peak usage periods.
• Pumped Hydro: In this system, water is pumped uphill to a reservoir situated above turbine generators. When electricity demand rises, the stored water is released to flow through the turbines, converting gravitational potential energy into electricity.
• Compressed Air: Compressed air energy storage entails pumping air into large containers, such as tanks or underground cavities. When electricity demand peaks, the compressed air is released, driving turbines to generate electricity.

 

The best way to store solar energy

 

Residential solar energy offers numerous advantages, including resilience, cost-effectiveness, and the decentralization of power production through the concept of "virtual power plants." However, the commercial energy storage solutions discussed earlier may not be feasible for the average homeowner due to cost constraints. Fortunately, battery storage now provides homeowners with a practical and economical method to store solar energy.

 

Lithium-ion batteries stand out as the preferred choice for home solar energy storage. They are affordable, compact, and adaptable to various requirements. Additionally, saltwater batteries and lead-acid batteries are also available for residential use.

 

Regardless of the battery type, home backup batteries enable homeowners to store excess energy generated during peak production times, such as during the day, for later use when demand is higher and generation is reduced. Home solar energy storage offers the same benefits as large-scale storage solutions, including resilience, uninterrupted power supply, and financial savings, directly benefiting homeowners.

 

How to Preserve Solar Energy: FAQ

 

Q: Can solar energy be preserved for future use?
A: Yes, in a residential photovoltaic (PV) system, solar energy can be preserved for future use within an electric battery bank. Presently, the majority of solar energy is preserved in lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries.

 

Q: What’s the most economical solar battery? 
A: Lead-acid batteries currently stand as the most budget-friendly option for solar energy storage, though they have a shorter lifespan and are less efficient compared to other alternatives. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, offer optimal value in terms of cost, performance, durability, and widespread availability.

 

Q: How long can solar energy be retained? 
A: In theory, solar energy stored mechanically can endure as long as its potential energy remains intact. However, energy losses are inevitable in any energy transfer process, including mechanical storage, where leaks occur during both storage and release. This principle also applies to batteries. Typically, a standard solar battery can retain a charge for 1-5 days.

 

Q: Is solar energy a wise investment for me? 
A: Solar power became more economical than coal in 2019, averaging $0.068 per kilowatt-hour (compared to an average of $0.13 for U.S. residential power that year, primarily sourced from fossil fuels). Despite fluctuations in electricity prices, a solar setup can provide long-term cost stability. Beyond financial advantages, solar energy diminishes carbon emissions and enhances resilience.

 

Unlock Solar Potential with Innotinum's All-in-One Energy Storage System

 

To fully harness the power of the sun and tackle the timing mismatch between peak solar production and peak energy demand, a state-of-the-art solution like Innotinum's All-in-One Energy Storage System becomes indispensable. This innovative system combines a battery storage system with a control box and BMS (Battery Management System), as well as a hybrid inverter, to provide homeowners with a comprehensive, efficient, and user-friendly energy storage solution.

 

By integrating Innotinum's system, you’re not just storing excess energy for use during peak hours; you’re also ensuring that your home operates smoothly with a stable and reliable power supply, come rain or shine. The hybrid inverter seamlessly manages the flow of energy between the battery, solar panels, and the grid, while the advanced BMS safeguards your battery's health, prolonging its lifespan and ensuring safety.

 

Experience the future of home energy independence and visit Innotinum’s website at Innotinum to learn how our All-in-One Energy Storage System can be the key to unlocking your solar energy potential.