Hello, glad to have you back on my solar blog where we share insights, tips, and latest updates in the world of solar. If you’ve been considering a solar array for your home or researching different solar companies, you’re in the right place as today, I’m diving into a topic at the forefront of everyone’s mind in solar: energy storage systems and their safety measures.
A recent survey by Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has brought to light some startling quality issues associated with energy storage systems integrated with solar. The study outlined that about 26% of inspected energy storage systems had issues related to their fire detection and suppression systems. Furthermore, 18% experienced issues with their thermal management system. These are vital functions for ensuring safety and cements the fact that thermal runaway still poses a significant danger to the solar and energy storage industry.
Now, you might be wondering what the industry is doing about this and what it means for you if you’re considering solar panels for your home. Let’s dig deeper.
The survey by CEA was extensive. It included over 320 inspections on more than 52 battery energy storage system facilities, auditing over 30 GWh of lithium-ion battery storage projects in the process. It managed to identify more than 1,300 manufacturing issues. These findings serve as an accelerant for solar companies to enhance the safety and efficiency of their products, which is a silver lining for consumers.
But don’t be discouraged. The solar industry has seen considerable growth, in the US and worldwide. This significant surge has largely been due to the falling prices of grid-scale lithium-ion battery storage systems, which decreased by 23% quarter over quarter, according to a report.
Despite these quality concerns, lithium-ion batteries remain the most widely used storage technology today, primarily due to their high energy density and flexibility. While there are indeed safety issues that need to be addressed, the industry is making efforts to solve these problems and improve safety parameters.
How does all of this affect you as a homeowner interested in a solar array for home? Doing your homework is key. Not all solar companies are the same, and it is crucial to select a solar company that has stringent quality checks in place and is committed to improving their technology and addressing these safety challenges.
Conclusion: The solar industry is definitely booming, with more and more homeowners realizing the benefits of solar panels for your home. While there are indeed challenges with energy storage systems, the industry is taking note and working to rectify these issues. Understanding the risks and doing your research into reliable solar companies will be your best strategy in the long run.
So, if you’re considering a switch to solar, keep exploring, keep asking questions, and stay updated. Remember, knowledge is power – or in this case, solar power. Until next time, keep shining!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/15/survey-finds-26-of-battery-storage-systems-have-fire-detection-and-suppression-issues/
