Energy Storage
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, but the sun’s availability varies throughout the day and across different seasons. BESS store excess electricity generated during peak sunlight hours for use during periods when sunlight is insufficient or unavailable, such as during the night or on cloudy days.
Here’s a closer look at how they work and their benefits:
Components
- Batteries: The core component of BESS, where the electrical energy is stored. The most common types used in solar energy systems include lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of capacity, lifespan, efficiency, and cost.
- Battery Management System (BMS): A crucial component that manages the charging and discharging of the batteries to prevent overcharging or deep discharge, extends the battery’s lifespan, and ensures safety.
- Inverter: Converts the stored DC (direct current) power from the batteries into AC (alternating current) power, which is what most home appliances and the grid use.
- Charge Controller: Regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to the batteries, ensuring that the batteries charge safely and efficiently.
How it works
Charging Phase
During the day, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. If the generated electricity exceeds the immediate consumption needs, the excess is used to charge the batteries.
Storage Phase
The electrical energy is stored in the batteries as chemical energy until needed.
Discharging Phase
When solar energy production is low (e.g., at night or during overcast conditions) but demand remains, the stored energy in the batteries is converted back into electrical energy and supplied to the load.
Benefits
Energy Independence:
Reduces reliance on the grid, providing energy security to homeowners, businesses, campuses, and communities.
Increased Solar Utilization:
Maximizes the use of generated solar energy, reducing waste and increasing cost savings.
Grid Services:
Can provide valuable services to the grid, such as frequency regulation, load shifting, and peak shaving, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce electricity costs.
Reduced Carbon Footprint:
By maximizing renewable energy use, BESS help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Energy Independence:
Reduces reliance on the grid, providing energy security to homeowners, businesses, campuses, and communities.
Increased Solar Utilization:
Maximizes the use of generated solar energy, reducing waste and increasing cost savings.
Grid Services:
Can provide valuable services to the grid, such as frequency regulation, load shifting, and peak shaving, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce electricity costs.
Reduced Carbon Footprint:
By maximizing renewable energy use, BESS help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Contact Information
#321 2555 Grasswood Road East, Saskatoon, SK S7T 0K1
306-803-5869