Can solar energy be used as a energy storage system?
Existing compressed air energy storage systems often use the released air as part of a natural gas power cycle to produce electricity. Solar power can be used to create new fuels that can be combusted (burned) or consumed to provide energy, effectively storing the solar energy in the chemical bonds.
How does solar energy storage work?
In areas with time-of-use rates, solar energy storage allows utility customers to further reduce their electricity bills. They can use stored energy when rates are highest and charge their solar energy storage systems when rates are lower, reducing the payback period of the photovoltaic solar system.
What is solar-plus-storage?
For solar-plus-storage—the pairing of solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage technologies—NREL researchers study and quantify the unique economic and grid benefits reaped by distributed and utility-scale systems. Much of NREL's current energy storage research is informing solar-plus-storage analysis.
Should solar energy be combined with storage technologies?
Coupling solar energy and storage technologies is one such case. The reason: Solar energy is not always produced at the time energy is needed most. Peak power usage often occurs on summer afternoons and evenings, when solar energy generation is falling.
Why are solar energy storage systems so popular?
Solar energy storage systems have become popular among homeowners and businesses seeking greater energy independence and solar backup power during grid outages. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) increased to 30% for solar systems and standalone battery storage, further fueling demand for various types of solar energy storage systems.
Is energy storage a viable option for utility-scale solar energy systems?
Energy storage has become an increasingly common component of utility-scale solar energy systems in the United States. Much of NREL's analysis for this market segment focuses on the grid impacts of solar-plus-storage systems, though costs and benefits are also frequently considered.
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