How Is Solar Power Stored?

As advantageous as solar panels are, they have one caveat: they rely on sunlight to produce energy. After the sun sets, you’ll need a storage system to power your home or business. 

What happens when supply outweighs demand, and you have an excess of solar power? Does that energy simply go to waste? That’s where a solar battery comes in handy. With a storage system, you can store that electricity to draw from at a later time.

The way solar power is stored varies based on the type of system that you have:

• Off-grid solar panels. These systems are entirely disconnected from the grid. They require a battery for storage; without one, you’ll only be able to use electricity when the sun is shining and your panels are actively generating solar energy.

• Grid-tied solar panels. With these setups, a storage system isn’t entirely necessary. If you run out of solar power, you can draw electricity from the grid (but you will be charged for it). You can offset the cost of electricity by using the net billing program in Manitoba.

Even with a grid-tied solar array, you might still opt to purchase a battery. Here’s why:

How Solar Batteries Work

First, your solar panels generate energy when they’re exposed to sunlight. This power is sent through an inverter, which converts direct current into alternating current energy. From here, the electricity is sent into your home or business to power appliances, etc. Any leftover energy is fed into the battery, where it’s stored until it’s needed. 

There are a few different types of batteries available to you. Lithium batteries are a popular choice; they’re the same type of batteries used to power your cell phone. An advantage of using lithium batteries is that they last a long time; they can be used hundreds of times without losing performance. However, you might also choose to purchase flooded or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. 

The Benefits of Batteries

To make the most efficient use of your solar array, you can use a battery to draw power even when the sun isn’t out.

You may be hesitant to invest in a battery due to the upfront cost of the equipment. However, with the savings you’ll see on electricity costs, the system can pay for itself over time.

Wondering if you should invest in a storage system for your PV panels? Consider a few of the advantages that batteries have to offer:

• Power your home during outages and emergencies. If the local power grid goes down, any grid-tied solar system will go down, too. This is to protect the safety of workers while they repair damaged lines. But with a backup storage system, you won’t have to deal with power outages.
• Lower your electricity bill to $0. With a reservoir of energy, you can remain independent from the grid and avoid purchasing electricity from utility companies.
• Meet your energy demands even at night or on cloudy days. Even when weather conditions aren’t optimal, you can still power your property by drawing from a battery.

Are you thinking of purchasing a battery for your Winnipeg solar system? We can help. At Powertec Solar, we offer high-quality equipment at affordable prices. Contact us today to learn more about storage systems.