Solar energy plus independent energy storage

When can you use energy from a solar-plus-storage system?

A solar-plus-storage system allows you to use the stored energy at night or in the event of a power outage. Simply put, a solar-plus-storage system is a battery system that is charged by a connected solar system, such as a photovoltaic (PV) one.

What is a solar-plus-storage system?

A solar-plus-storage system is a battery system that is charged by a connected solar system, such as a photovoltaic (PV) one. Many solar-energy system owners are looking at ways to connect their system to a battery so they can use that energy at night or in the event of a power outage.

Are solar-plus-storage projects economically viable?

Technology cost and utility rate structure are key drivers of economic viability of solar and storage systems. This paper explores the economics of solar-plus-storage projects for commercial-scale, behind-the-meter applications. It provides insight into the near-term and future solar-plus-storage market opportunities across the U.S.

Where are solar-plus-storage systems most cost-effective?

The highest potential for savings was found in California, New York, New Mexico, and Alaska. Across all scenarios modeled, solar-plus-storage systems were most often cost-effective in San Francisco, Anaheim, and Los Angeles. These locations have both good solar resource and relatively high demand rates.

How do solar-plus-storage rates affect energy savings?

Solar generation primarily provides energy savings, while storage primarily provided demand savings, so both components of the rate affect expected savings of solar-plus-storage systems. Fig. 9, Fig. 10 show how savings increase as these components of the rate increase. Fig. 9.

Will the solar-plus-storage market grow?

At the lowest technology cost point modeled, solar-plus-storage is economical in 10 of the 17 locations and in all of the 16 building types modeled. This suggests that the solar-plus-storage market will grow significantly if solar and storage costs continue to decline as expected in the future.