How Solar Batteries Work
Energy storage such as a solar battery stores power just like a common battery does, except it’s specifically meant to store solar energy. Since solar panel systems rely on sunlight in order to generate energy, that energy is available for the time that the sun is up. The panels send their power as they generate it, which means that they can’t continue producing it after the sun has set. However, a system that connects to a battery allows unused energy to be stored away for later use.
Solar energy systems are designed to send power to items that are actively drawing it. So when appliances are running in a household or building that uses solar, they’re drawing electricity from the panels. Depending on how a system is set up, additional energy that is produced (but not being drawn to anything) can be sent to the local power grid, to a battery for storage, or simply go to waste. For systems with a storage connection, the solar battery draws in that excess power until it’s fully charged.
What’s the Advantage?
Energy storage is extremely beneficial to solar system owners. Residential system owners will typically use more energy later in the day and into the evenings, as opposed to the system production which peaks in the daytime and dwindles as the sunsets. Storing the excess energy generated in the daytime would allow the household to continue running on solar power at night rather than pulling from the local power grid.
Commercial system owners also benefit a great deal from storing excess energy. Unlike a residential home, a commercial property such as a business or farm typically consumes more energy in the daytime. So why bother storing energy? Sunlight is available everywhere but the amount of sunlight that can be absorbed and converted into electricity varies with weather and climate. Storing excess energy on high production days would allow for the system owner to access solar power on lower production days (such as dark, stormy days). It’s imperative for commercial operations to have consistent energy consumption in order to maintain operational budgets. Energy storage provides an alternative to pulling from grid power, allowing you to keep energy bills low.
Storage as an Alternative Energy Source
A solar battery can help supplement power for a complete energy solution or as an emergency power source. Some owners choose to store their power as a backup to use during local power outages, much like a generator. Others may choose to store large amounts of power on a regular basis as a means of disconnecting from the local power grid and becoming entirely energy independent. With either scenario, energy storage provides more flexibility and control for the system owner.
Explore Energy Storage with YellowLite
Our team has been helping people switch to solar for over a decade. We design systems that help our customers reach their goals. Whether you’re planning to completely offset your energy consumption or preparing for unforeseen circumstances, our experts will guide you through your system and storage options.
Learn more about adding energy storage to your solar power system by speaking with a YellowLite consultant!
Call us at 216-333-1364
Email us on https://www.yellowlite.com/contact-us/
