Hello fellow solar enthusiasts! Today, let’s discuss an aspect of solar power use, particularly crucial for solar companies, namely energy storage and the increasing importance of lithium-ion batteries in this area.
As we know, the main drawback of solar panels for your home is their dependency on sunlight. When the sun is shining bright, we’ve got power in abundance, but there can be shortages in its absence. Now, this isn’t a great advertisement for solar companies trying to convince you to install a solar array for your home. But, what has been found to be particularly useful in dealing with this energy supply and demand disparity are systems to store power for use during lean periods.
Among such systems, pumped hydro dominates, accounting for over 90% of the larger capacity energy storage globally. But, they pose difficulties, especially as we aim for net-zero targets, where we would need storage systems that can be installed almost anywhere. And that’s where lithium batteries step in!
Now, lithium-ion batteries aren’t ‘new kids on the block’, but they’ve evolved tremendously over time. Their prices have significantly dropped, and their ability to store large amounts of energy continues to improve. Interestingly, car manufacturers’ drive towards building better electric vehicles has enriched lithium-ion batteries’ development: they are used to power the cars and subsequently help improve the functionality for use in solar power storage.
Now, why are lithium-ion batteries a favored option, particularly for solar panels for your home? For starters, the energy they offer per cell far outweighs that provided by other batteries. However, they too have their share of drawbacks. There are concerns around how long these batteries can retain their storage capabilities, questions around sourcing lithium and cobalt (a crucial player in the battery manufacturing process), the recycling of batteries, and safety matters given that lithium-ion is flammable. But rest assured, work is underway to address these challenges with the help of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
And at the same time, the race for the next generation of batteries is on! Watch this space: incredible progress is being made in solid-state batteries (SSBs), which can alleviate some safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries – as they contain no liquid! However, before we start celebrating, it’s essential to remember that SSBs still face obstacles, such as significant capital costs, before they can hit the mainstream.
Do we have an exciting future ahead of us in the solar power space, especially in energy storage? You bet! Renewable energy technologies, and the various standards supporting them, ensure that we’re all able to enjoy the benefits of the sun’s power, even in its absence. The more we pursue advancements and address the challenges in energy storage, the easier it becomes for solar companies to assure you of the effectiveness of a solar array for your home. Until next time, keep shining bright!
References:
Original source: ‘Why batteries are the key feature of the renewable power generation?’ by Catherine Bischofberger, IEC | Accessed from [linked content]
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/04/are-batteries-the-best-option-for-energy-storage/
