Hello solar enthusiasts! Have you heard the latest news out of California? The Golden State, known for its forward-thinking strategies, has once again set springtime output records, showing us that solar is not the energy of the future, but the energy of today!
In a recent announcement, California revealed that they have crossed the line of having 10 GW of energy storage installed on its power grid. This comes off as a staggering rise from the mere 770 MW that was connected back in 2019. If you’re not familiar with all that jargon, let me simplify. This means that their solar arrays are collecting impressive energy surpluses, which can be stored and used later!
But, the state isn’t stopping there. They’re projecting the need for 52 GW of batteries connected to its grid by 2045, complemented with an additional 57.5 GW of solar panels for your home and businesses. To support this solar surge, models predict an increase in lithium-ion batteries, varying from four to eight hours of support. Some additional hydro and long-duration energy storage are being considered, but the primary focus is clearly on solar and batteries.
At the time of the announcement, nearly 154,155 total energy storage systems have been installed. A whopping 98% of these are residential systems – because yes, solar arrays for home are taking off like never before! The remaining systems are shared between commercial use and grid-connected utility scale facilities.
The capacity value of these storage systems is noteworthy. However, what’s more significant is how these batteries are being used. These powerhouses are stepping up to take over the evening peak periods when the demand for electricity is usually high. Think of it like the second wind that keeps your house running efficiently when the sun goes down.
Interestingly, on April 27th at 8.40 PM PST, utility scale batteries were outputting over 6.5 GW of power – making it the largest source of electricity during that time. Looks like the state’s plan to deploy these batteries to handle peak periods is indeed paying off.
As we look to the future, another 8 GW of energy storage is expected to be deployed in the next year. This will continue to fuel the robust growth seen by solar companies throughout the state.
So what does all this mean for you? It’s a clear signal that solar is not just surviving but thriving. Installing solar panels for your home is not only great for the environment but is also becoming a trend for future-proofing homes. More states are looking to the California model for inspiration, making now the perfect time to explore how solar could benefit your own home or business.
This is an exciting time for the world of solar, and I am thrilled to share these advancements with all of you. This should encourage us to jump-start our journey towards a cleaner, brighter future with solar. Stay tuned to this blog, where I’ll continue to keep you updated on the latest from the ever-evolving solar industry.
Until next time, keep radiating positivity!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/30/california-batteries-dominate-evening-grid-with-10-gw-40-gwh-of-capacity/
