As the world moves towards adopting renewable energy on a massive scale and discarding fossil fuels, many options are being investigated. A key factor in this transition to low-carbon energy is the adoption of renewable energy sources, and solar energy deserves particular attention.
Can solar energy be stored?
Is solar energy storage possible? Energy from the sun has to be used as soon as it’s generated otherwise it is lost. However, if it is stored it can then be used when no energy is being produced – in the case of solar energy, this would be when the sun isn’t shining. Not only can solar energy storage systems enable users, whether residential or commercial, to get the most out of their solar panels – otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels – but they can also cut costs, improve the efficiency of energy grids, and
Is solar energy storage possible? Energy from the sun has to be used as soon as it’s generated otherwise it is lost. However, if it is stored it can then be used when no energy is being produced – in the case of solar energy, this would be when the sun isn’t shining. Not only can solar energy storage systems enable users, whether residential or commercial, to get the most out of their solar panels – otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels – but they can also cut costs, improve the efficiency of energy grids, and
Is solar energy storage possible? Energy from the sun has to be used as soon as it’s generated otherwise it is lost. However, if it is stored it can then be used when no energy is being produced – in the case of solar energy, this would be when the sun isn’t shining. Not only can solar energy storage systems enable users, whether residential or commercial, to get the most out of their solar panels – otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels – but they can also cut costs, improve the efficiency of energy grids, and
Is solar energy storage possible? Energy from the sun has to be used as soon as it’s generated otherwise it is lost. However, if it is stored it can then be used when no energy is being produced – in the case of solar energy, this would be when the sun isn’t shining. Not only can solar energy storage systems enable users, whether residential or commercial, to get the most out of their solar panels – otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels – but they can also cut costs, improve the efficiency of energy grids, and
Is solar energy storage possible? Energy from the sun has to be used as soon as it’s generated otherwise it is lost. However, if it is stored it can then be used when no energy is being produced – in the case of solar energy, this would be when the sun isn’t shining. Not only can solar energy storage systems enable users, whether residential or commercial, to get the most out of their solar panels – otherwise known as photovoltaic (PV) panels – but they can also cut costs, improve the efficiency of energy grids, and reduce carbon emissions and those of damaging greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Solar farm located in a green area
Solar energy storage doesn’t just mean that surplus energy can be stored for later use when generation goes down and demand goes up. It also means that this energy can be used to smooth out any short-term disruption to energy supplies, such as outages, problems with generators or routine maintenance. A reliable solar energy storage system will enable users to keep their electrical systems running no matter what happens.
How long can solar energy be stored for?
This depends on the type of solar energy storage system that is used. Mechanical systems and batteries will often ‘leak’ energy when it’s being stored and released, so an accurate calculation is difficult. However, solar energy storage batteries can hold their charge for up to five days.
Different methods for solar energy storage
Essentially, there are three types of solar energy storage methods – thermal, mechanical, and battery.
Thermal storage
Thermal energy storage systems use fluids, typically molten salt and water, to absorb and hold heat generated by the sun. The material sits in an insulated tank, and the energy is released when required – for heating, cooling or generating electricity (water is boiled by the heat, and the steam produced drives a turbine to create electrical power).
Mechanical storage
The goal of a mechanical energy storage system is to convert surplus electrical power into mechanical power and for this to be turned back into electricity when it is needed. One method uses a flywheel connected to a rotating shaft. The heavy flywheel is spun by surplus electricity and generates its own electricity for later use. Another mechanical method is pumped hydro, which pumps water upwards to a reservoir. The water then flows through turbines to produce electricity. A third mechanical energy storage option is to pump compressed air into huge containers and release that air to generate electricity.
Solar energy storage batteries
Atlas Copco ZBC energy storage system in solar application
Solar energy storage systems based around batteries – whether Lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride – can store energy that has been captured by solar panels. We are all familiar with how batteries in our mobile phones are charged and how they release energy throughout the day, and we are becoming increasingly familiar with how electric vehicles operate after being hooked up to a battery-charging station (EV batteries can handle up to 100kWh).
Which is the best of the solar energy storage methods?
Thermal energy storage systems can reduce CO2 emissions and cut costs, but the energy can’t be stored or released at a constant temperature and a lot of energy can be used to convert solids into liquids. As for mechanical energy storage systems, flywheels can provide power quickly but can only store small amounts of energy, and pumped hydro requires access to large reservoirs which may involve building substantial dams and can be very costly to set up and operate.
By far the best of all solar energy storage methods are those that use batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries
Atlas Copco ZBC large energy storage system
Lead-acid batteries have been popular for years and have found many applications in solar energy storage systems. The attraction is that they are the cheapest option for solar energy storage, but they have short working lives. Also, only a relatively low percentage of energy stored in a lead-acid battery can be used, regular maintenance is required, and external venting is mandatory, which limits installation options.
By contrast, compared with lead-acid, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are recognised as offering the best option for solar energy storage batteries. These high-density, lightweight, low maintenance batteries with a small footprint are the kind that are in our mobile phones and other portable equipment. They are reliable and offer better and sustained performance over their lifetime. Li-ion batteries now represent a highly cost-effective means of solar energy storage, not least because they offer a longer cycle life and superior depth of discharge (DoD).
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Advantages of combining storage and solar
Solar power offers a sustainable way of delivering electricity to homes, offices, and factories for the future, but without solar energy storage systems, the full benefits of solar power can never be realised. As we know, there are many times during the day when solar production is at a low level but demand for energy is high. For example, in those dark evenings when energy is needed for lights or to power construction operations or events. In short, Lithium-ion energy storage systems enable powerful solar energy to be accessed when required rather than when it is generated.
Solar energy storage systems are expensive? How much do they cost?
Photovoltaic panels can be expensive to acquire and install – actual costs depend on size of installation – so it is essential to draw out the maximum energy by connecting them to a solar energy storage system based on the very latest technology. This will ensure any photovoltaic installation operates as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Relying on Li-ion
Relying on Li-ion energy storage systems, like Atlas Copco ZBC and ZBP models, allows users to keep costs down, with instant access to power, while achieving unrivalled levels of sustainability. These innovative energy storage solutions – which can provide over 12 hours of power from a single charge – are capable of minimising operational costs as well as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In addition, Atlas Copco’s energy storage systems combined with solar energy represent a 100% renewable solution.
