Solar Energy Storage—Getting the Most Out of the Sun

Energy from the sun should be used as soon as it is produced; later, it is lost. You can also store energy to use when there's zero energy generation, like evening or nighttime. Solar energy storage systems, whether commercial or residential, allow consumers to get the most out of the sun to cut costs, reduce carbon emissions, optimize the efficiency of the energy grid, and eliminate damaging greenhouse gases.

In this article, we'll explore solar energy storage and multiple ways to get the most out of the sun. So, let's dive in! 

Can Solar Energy Be Stored?

The world is tremendously adopting renewable energy sources on a large scale to discard fossil fuels. For this, various options are investigated. A significant factor in this revolution to low-carbon energy is the implementation of renewable energy sources like sun and wind. So the question is, can solar energy be stored?

Yes, solar energy is stored through multiple mediums, like solar panels, batteries, and inverters, to transform it into electricity. This storage doesn’t just refer to the excessive energy that can be stored for later use during less generation and peak demands. It also indicates that the energy can be deployed to short-term disruptions to power supplies, such as power outages or problems with routine maintenance and generators. 

A reliable solar energy storage system will allow the user to keep their electric system running smoothly without any interruption. 

How Can We Store Solar Energy?

Solar energy can be stored using three different methods: battery, mechanical and thermal storage systems. 

1.Battery Storage System

Battery storage systems are by far the most used method of storing solar energy for residential installation. When solar energy is drawn into a battery, a chemical reaction occurs in battery components, storing the solar energy. The reaction goes in a reserved direction when the battery is discharged, allowing current to exit from the battery. 

Lithium-ion Batteries 

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common solar application and are a more scalable and affordable battery storage solution. The United States energy storage system is estimated to hit about 7.5 GW yearly by 2025, a sixth-time growth from 2020, and represents a $7.4 billion market value. 

Finding the best supplier of battery storage systems is also crucial to getting the most out of the sun. Therefore, we recommend a leading manufacturing company: Innotinum. They offer affordable, ten-year lifespans of cutting-edge battery storage technology to ensure reliability and sustainability.

Further, to address safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries related to thermal runaway, Innotinum is working on advanced technology and introducing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a more secure and eco-friendly battery solution.

2.Mechanical Storage System

Mechanical storage systems benefit from the potential energy of an object to produce electricity. Mechanical storage methods shift excessive electrical power into mechanical power that is converted back to electricity for later use during peak demands. Here, we offer three major mechanical energy storage systems below;

• Pumped Hydro

With pumped hydro technology, water is pulled in an upward direction to an uphill reservoir located at the top of the turbine generators. Then, the water is enabled to flow via turbines to produce electricity when demand is high and supply is low.

• Flywheel

This kind of mechanical storage system deploys a surplus amount of energy to spin the flywheel, which later produces electricity to supply instant energy during high-demand times.

• Compressed Air 

With such an energy storage system, compressed air is pumped into a massive vessel, such as an underground medium or a tank. The air is then withdrawn to produce electricity during lower power supply times.

3.Thermal Storage System

Thermal storage systems deploy multiple mediums, including molten salt or water, to absorb and draw heat from the sun. The heated medium is then stored in an insulated tank until the energy is required. Typically, the water boils for surplus energy production. 

Now, the question may arise: How long can solar energy be stored? It depends on the type of method you're using for energy production. However, battery storage systems can greatly retain their charge for about five days. However, mechanical energy often peaks when it's being stored or released. 

Benefits of Storing Solar Energy

Storing a surplus amount of energy is significant to get the most out of the sun, which results in saving money, reducing fossil fuel emissions, and more efficient energy grids. Solar energy storage systems come with the following benefits:

Energy Resilience: Energy grids are more prone to interruptions and outages due to environmental conditions or other factors, like heavy rain or wildfires. Solar power storage, by decentralizing, ensures a protective measure during distributive events. 

Compensating Electric Loads: If electricity is stored, it has to be used during generation. Energy storage systems enable users to store surplus amounts for later use. As far as renewable energy sources are concerned, storing power helps to provide light when the sun sets or the wind stops blowing. These systems let an energy reservoir be charged when demand is low and production is high.

Decreasing Carbon Footprints: Battery storage helps decrease a property's carbon footprint in locations with coal-based utility power by allowing you to control the solar energy you use. Larger solar batteries are also used in electric vehicles and help turn all your home appliances into solar-powered devices.

Filling the Gaps: Short-term energy storage enables consistent energy flow during brief interruptions and low power outages, ensuring the constant running of electric devices.

Maximizing the Potential of Your Solar Storage System

Once you’ve chosen the right solar storage system, it’s time to maximize its potential. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your solar energy storage:

Optimize Your Solar Panel Placement: The location of your solar panels can greatly affect their efficiency. Make sure they’re installed in an area where they’ll get the most sunlight throughout the day.

Monitor Energy Consumption: Keep track of how much energy you’re consuming and when. By understanding your peak usage times, you can adjust your energy consumption habits to better align with your stored solar energy.

Regular Maintenance: Just like your solar panels, your solar battery requires regular maintenance. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure that the system is functioning as it should. Routine checks will prolong the life of the system.

Upgrade as Needed: As your energy needs change over time, it may be necessary to upgrade your solar storage system. Adding more batteries or expanding your solar panel system can help you stay ahead of increasing energy demands.

Use Smart Energy Management: Many modern solar energy storage systems come with smart energy management systems that allow you to control and monitor your energy usage remotely. These systems can help you optimize energy consumption and ensure that you’re using your stored energy as efficiently as possible.

Bottom Line

In short, the sun offers an endless supply of clean power, but harnessing it to the fullest can be challenging. Fortunately, multiple commercial and residential storage systems provide perfect solutions for storing solar energy. From all three storage systems, the battery is the best option. Do thorough research in the market and find out the affordable and highly reliable solution to buy an efficient battery storage system for your home. For this, Innotinum is the best.