Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panel System with Solar Storage
By Wayne Stanley
Your solar panel system was a significant investment, and you want to get the most out of it. When the sun goes down and the wind stops blowing, your household or property can continue running at full capacity…it may just need a little reinforcement. Pairing your solar energy system with a storage system is a great way to take advantage of the energy your panels absorb throughout the day.
Why should you store your solar energy?
Your solar panel system is reliable, but adding a storage system makes it stronger and more resilient. Integrating energy storage allows you to consume electricity after the time it’s generated. Peak power usage typically occurs in the evening. By storing it, you can run your appliances with solar power even after the sun goes down. Energy storage means no wasted energy and no high electricity bills.
The weather, time of day, shadows, passing clouds, dirt, snow or routine maintenance can all affect solar energy production. Pairing your solar panel system with a short-term storage system fills in the gaps and creates a constant flow of energy so that none of these factors interrupt your power.
Bigger events like storms can cause power outages, but energy storage decentralizes where we get our energy so you can keep the lights on in a blackout.
Options for storing solar energy
There are multiple ways to store your solar energy. An affordable option for homeowners is electrochemical storage, also known as battery storage. Popular battery choices for homeowners include lithium-ion, saltwater and lead-acid batteries. Regardless of battery type, having a backup allows homeowners to conserve energy for uninterrupted power and money savings.
Thermal and mechanical storage options are available for commercial properties with bigger budgets. Thermal energy storage uses fluids to store heat and can be used to generate electricity. Mechanical energy storage comes in many forms, but compressed air and pumped hydro are the most cost-efficient options.
Not opting to store your solar energy? Here’s what you should do:
Take advantage when the sun is shining to charge your devices.
At Green Alternatives, we want you to enjoy your solar panel system to the fullest extent. For questions on solar storage, our service contracts or solar energy, call us at 765-480-2423, or email gai@solargai.com.
