Solar energy storage is revolutionizing how households and businesses harness renewable energy, ensuring stability and cost savings. This solution not only improves the reliability and efficiency of solar energy but also reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and reduces carbon emissions. In this article, let’s explore in more detail the benefits and classification of solar energy storage with Alternō!
1. What is solar energy storage?
Solar energy storage systems allow households and businesses to collect and store energy for later use. Since solar energy depends on the frequency and intensity of sunlight, it cannot produce energy on cloudy days or at night, so energy storage systems allow excess energy to be stored when demand is low.
In the case of not being connected to the grid, storage systems can be used to generate electricity. If using grid-tied electricity, solar power systems combined with energy storage help homeowners and businesses have a stable source of electricity even when there are no sunlight or power outages, increasing energy independence. In areas with high electricity prices or high daylight hours, energy storage can both reduce electricity bills and sell them to the grid.
2. Benefits of solar energy storage
Solar energy storage offers many important benefits, not only helping to optimize the use of renewable energy but also assisting in protecting the environment and improving economic efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits of solar energy storage:
2.1. Backup power
By storing excess energy during sunny periods, the storage system helps provide a stable source of energy at night or during power outages, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of electricity. In addition, using backup power from renewable energy is quieter than using fuel-based power generation. You also don’t need to worry about charging the storage batteries, the entire solar system is always ready.
2.2. Energy independence
Solar energy storage systems help homes and businesses reduce their dependence on the national grid. This is especially important in areas where electricity supply is unstable or electricity costs are high. By being able to generate and store your own electricity instead of drawing from the grid, you can reduce your electricity bills and avoid power outages.
2.3. Savings on electricity bills
One of the biggest benefits of solar energy storage is the potential savings on your electricity bill. Storing energy during sunny times reduces the need to draw from the grid during peak hours when electricity prices are typically higher. Additionally, if you have a large enough storage system, you can avoid having to buy electricity from the grid during off-peak hours.
2.4. Cutting down on carbon emissions
Storing solar energy helps reduce CO2 emissions and other pollutants. When combined with clean, renewable energy sources like the sun, stored energy can replace fossil fuels, thereby minimizing negative impacts on the environment and contributing to the fight against climate change.
3. Types of solar energy storage
Solar energy storage is divided into three common types as follows:
3.1. Battery storage
Solar battery storage uses batteries to store energy. When the battery receives solar energy, a chemical reaction occurs between the components of the battery to store energy. When the battery is discharged and current flows out of the battery, the reaction is reversed.
Common battery types include lithium-ion, lead-acid, and sodium-ion batteries. Of these, lithium-ion is the most commonly used because of its high efficiency, large storage capacity, and long life.
3.2. Mechanical storage
Mechanical energy storage uses methods such as pumped hydro storage or flywheel energy storage. In a hydraulic energy storage system, water is pumped up when there is excess electricity and then released to rotate turbines when energy is needed. Flywheel systems store energy by rotating flywheels at very high speeds. This mechanical method can store very large amounts of energy and provide power to large areas.
3.3. Thermal storage
Thermal energy storage uses materials such as water, molten salt, or sand in a tank to absorb and store heat. This heat is then used to generate electricity or provide heat for drying or heating during periods when the sun is not shining. This type of storage is common in solar thermal power plants, which use sunlight to heat a liquid.
4. The best method for solar energy storage
Solar storage solutions depend on your available resources and requirements. Here are some suggested methods of solar storage for commercial and residential use:
4.1. For commercial
Commercial solar energy storage is important for businesses to reduce electricity costs, ensure stability in energy supply to maintain production, and optimize the use of renewable energy. Businesses and companies often have larger investment capital than households, so thermal and mechanical storage are viable options.
Businesses in the manufacturing, food processing, or heat-using industries can use thermal storage systems to save on energy costs and reduce their dependence on the grid. Pumped hydro storage systems can be built in steep terrain areas, providing energy storage for industrial and manufacturing facilities. For example, Walmart has deployed solar energy storage combined with battery storage at some of its stores and distribution centers.
4.2. Home applications
Solar energy storage by battery is mainly used for households to save costs and provide a stable source of energy. Among the types of batteries, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice in solar energy storage systems for households. Lithium-ion batteries have a long life, the ability to store and release energy efficiently and provide high energy conversion efficiency.
A typical example of battery storage for households is the Alternō sand battery, an energy storage system using raw materials from sand, integrated with the solar power system and providing energy for the family when needed.
Solar energy storage is a method to optimize the use of excess solar energy, reduce electricity costs, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Ready to optimize your energy with solar storage? Contact Alternō today for expert advice and tailored solutions, including our innovative sand battery!
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