Solar Energy Storage

Solar storage uses battery arrays to help mitigate the potential loss of electricity during peak generation hours on solar panel installations, store the energy, and release this stored energy when it is needed. Solar batteries and storage solutions are growing increasingly popular in the solar industry due to the variety of problems they can solve with clean energy distribution. Coldwell Solar can help any organization interested in this type of battery energy storage system. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Solar Battery?

This is a system of battery cells specifically designed to store the electricity produced by a solar installation. In decades past, storing electricity from solar energy was difficult due to battery limitations (and even today, some facilities focus on storing solar heat with thermal batteries instead). Lead-acid batteries are a common choice for storage systems because of their innate reliability, but a variety of large lithium-ion battery arrays are also making progress as potential choices for solar storage. Even though, Lead-acid batteries were one of the first batteries used in energy storage, due to their short cycle, low energy density, and calendar life they are becoming less popular as a battery storage option in recent years. They were widely employed in electric vehicles, but have lately been mostly superseded by lithium-ion batteries, which last longer and are more effective in larger battery systems. The cost of lithium-ion batteries has decreased quickly as there has been an increase in manufacturing and improvements in battery energy storage technology. Significant advances in deep cycle battery technology and manufacturing make them a much more effective solution for managing excess electricity. Solar installations can use a string of deep cycle batteries, typically with at least a 5-day load capacity. These are very durable batteries that, with proper care and preventative maintenance, can last up to 15 years without needing a replacement. Batteries can be designed with a variety of charging strategies depending on incoming electricity and expected demand on the storage system.

How is Solar Storage Managed?

Solar storage requires a robust software platform: Both the electricity generated by solar installations and the needs of a connected electrical grid can vary, so careful monitoring and automation are very important. Today’s platforms can constantly measure both input and output, optimizing in real time while providing vital analytics or activity alerts. Advanced solar system software can also help facilities examine their battery options and what sort of setup may be most efficient over time, helpful service during the early planning stages.

Once installed, solar batteries also require timely maintenance. Battery efficiency, temperature, depth of discharge, sulfation, and other factors need to be regularly checked to monitor the health of the system in real time. Securing proper preventative maintenance can optimize battery life and reduce replacement costs and maintenance costs in the long run. Professional maintenance from companies like Coldwell Solar can help give batteries the regular cleaning that they need, replace any necessary components, and schedule new battery installations when necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy Storage

• Generated solar energy is not only used on an on-demand basis but can be stored for later use for days or longer: This key advantage is the source of many other benefits and allows owners to maximize the ROI of their solar installations, especially during peak generation (a.k.a. over-generating) periods.
• Stored electricity from solar installations can help strengthen a weakened energy grid, making it easier for a region to handle unexpected disasters, prevent blackouts while directing solar electricity where it is in peak demand. This is sometimes called “islanding” and allows for far more versatile, responsive grids.
• Peak energy demand charges are reduced, and solar customers whose facilities use solar storage components are more resilient themselves against outages or unexpected fluctuations.
• Solar energy storage systems can implement thermal energy storage options to still store renewable energy when the sun sets or when clouds are blocking the sun.
• Solar systems that make use of thermal energy storage systems are adaptable to store energy with the increasingly high temperatures of climate change.
• Solar storage can be an effective alternative to commercial generators that can also help organizations meet their carbon goals.
• Widespread solar storage can help reduce utility rates and energy costs in a region, especially during off-peak periods.
• The variety of battery types, platform options, and setups allow for an installation to be customized for a specific facility and its energy output.

Are There Rebates or Resources to Help with Solar Battery Installation?

Yes, there are a variety of resources that can provide assistance with solar power storage. One of the most notable in California is the SGIP, or the Self-Generation Incentive Program, managed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This program offers rebates for a variety of distributed energy system installations with a focus on saving excess energy and using it in more efficient ways – advanced energy storage systems are one of the supported technologies. The SGIP also offers workshops and webinars for those who want to learn more.

Coldwell Solar’s o&m can help your organization figure out if you qualify for CPUC rebates, what kind of energy storage system you need to qualify for, and how to properly apply.

Design Efficient Solar Storage with Help from Coldwell Solar

Solar storage must be customized for a specific installation for maximum efficiency, safety, and proper electricity usage. Battery voltage requirements can change with both demand and the age of the battery, which means planning for the future is key when designing storage.

If you are interested in adding a storage system to a commercial solar installation, start with an experienced, professional consultation with Coldwell Solar. We can help you find the right energy storage system and schedule implementation and battery maintenance to fit within your schedule. Contact us to learn more about our o&m and storage projects.