Lately, I have been hearing more and more that it is now truly possible to store the electricity generated by photovoltaic systems. At least for a few hours (overnight), and nowadays, these storage solutions are said to be affordable.
Additionally, last night there was a TV commercial from a manufacturer claiming their system can store photovoltaic electricity for up to 24 hours.
Does anyone have knowledge about this topic or even personal experience?
Additionally, last night there was a TV commercial from a manufacturer claiming their system can store photovoltaic electricity for up to 24 hours.
Does anyone have knowledge about this topic or even personal experience?
M
Micha&Dany16 Nov 2012 07:42Hello EarlGrey,
Of course, it is possible to store electricity—not just for 24 hours, but for days and weeks. I assume that you are already using this technology in your phone, laptop, remote controls, wristwatch, and so on.
This invention is called a “battery” or “accumulator” for short.
And here’s the best part: batteries don’t care whether they are charged with solar power or electricity “from the grid”!
So, you can certainly use batteries to store your solar power. Why not?!
The real question is: is it worth it?
Unfortunately, I have no idea what batteries of sufficient size currently cost. However, I do know the lifespan of the batteries in my phone or laptop…
Therefore, I can’t imagine that batteries for home power supply last longer than 5 to 8 years. And I would dare to doubt (without knowing for sure) that the investment pays off even roughly within that time. So if it’s not about money, but about being as self-sufficient as possible, you should definitely get detailed advice from professional companies!
But please don’t forget: traditional lead-acid batteries can emit gases. If you want to install them in your basement, you need to be aware that this creates an explosive atmosphere there, so appropriate safety measures have to be implemented.
And if you want lithium batteries… lithium burns with a beautiful flame when it catches fire—which might look nice, but unfortunately (almost) cannot be extinguished.
Therefore, in my opinion, I would only store batteries—whatever type—in a well-ventilated (and air-conditioned) room outside the house. But that’s just my personal view.
I am not a battery expert, so if I were you, I would consult specialists. Practically every major battery manufacturer also offers solutions for photovoltaic systems. For example, the market leader (the one starting with V) presented a very interesting energy management system for battery banks at the last photovoltaic trade fair (I have no idea about the cost). I can well imagine that this could significantly extend the lifetime of the storage systems.
Best regards
Micha
Of course, it is possible to store electricity—not just for 24 hours, but for days and weeks. I assume that you are already using this technology in your phone, laptop, remote controls, wristwatch, and so on.
This invention is called a “battery” or “accumulator” for short.
And here’s the best part: batteries don’t care whether they are charged with solar power or electricity “from the grid”!
So, you can certainly use batteries to store your solar power. Why not?!
The real question is: is it worth it?
Unfortunately, I have no idea what batteries of sufficient size currently cost. However, I do know the lifespan of the batteries in my phone or laptop…
Therefore, I can’t imagine that batteries for home power supply last longer than 5 to 8 years. And I would dare to doubt (without knowing for sure) that the investment pays off even roughly within that time. So if it’s not about money, but about being as self-sufficient as possible, you should definitely get detailed advice from professional companies!
But please don’t forget: traditional lead-acid batteries can emit gases. If you want to install them in your basement, you need to be aware that this creates an explosive atmosphere there, so appropriate safety measures have to be implemented.
And if you want lithium batteries… lithium burns with a beautiful flame when it catches fire—which might look nice, but unfortunately (almost) cannot be extinguished.
Therefore, in my opinion, I would only store batteries—whatever type—in a well-ventilated (and air-conditioned) room outside the house. But that’s just my personal view.
I am not a battery expert, so if I were you, I would consult specialists. Practically every major battery manufacturer also offers solutions for photovoltaic systems. For example, the market leader (the one starting with V) presented a very interesting energy management system for battery banks at the last photovoltaic trade fair (I have no idea about the cost). I can well imagine that this could significantly extend the lifetime of the storage systems.
Best regards
Micha
K
karliseppel16 Nov 2012 09:15There are currently products trying to enter the market in this area.
If they are based on conventional battery technology, I would strongly advise against them, just like Micha. However, I am only a consumer and not an expert.
What recently made the news: researchers at the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research in Stuttgart, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute, have developed a storage method for photovoltaic electricity.
The key term here is "Power to Gas."
Through overcatalytic processes, hydrogen and methane are produced, which can be technically stored quite easily. The whole technology is still at the laboratory stage but sounds very promising.
If they are based on conventional battery technology, I would strongly advise against them, just like Micha. However, I am only a consumer and not an expert.
What recently made the news: researchers at the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research in Stuttgart, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute, have developed a storage method for photovoltaic electricity.
The key term here is "Power to Gas."
Through overcatalytic processes, hydrogen and methane are produced, which can be technically stored quite easily. The whole technology is still at the laboratory stage but sounds very promising.
M
Micha&Dany16 Nov 2012 11:03Hello Karliseppel
The "Power to Gas" technology has already moved beyond the laboratory stage. However, it is still not economically viable for widespread implementation. There are already some plants in operation – as far as I know since 2009 – but the efficiency remains quite low. Especially the second step, the methanation of hydrogen, is still not fully developed. This technology is mainly interesting for large power plants (especially wind farms) and has no relevance for private individuals. Or are you planning to build a chemical plant in your basement?
Other technologies, such as electrolytes used as energy storage ("Redox-Flow"), are still as large as a prefabricated garage and have a very limited energy density.
For private use, there are only batteries. Or batteries. Nothing else (yet).
Regards
Micha
The "Power to Gas" technology has already moved beyond the laboratory stage. However, it is still not economically viable for widespread implementation. There are already some plants in operation – as far as I know since 2009 – but the efficiency remains quite low. Especially the second step, the methanation of hydrogen, is still not fully developed. This technology is mainly interesting for large power plants (especially wind farms) and has no relevance for private individuals. Or are you planning to build a chemical plant in your basement?
Other technologies, such as electrolytes used as energy storage ("Redox-Flow"), are still as large as a prefabricated garage and have a very limited energy density.
For private use, there are only batteries. Or batteries. Nothing else (yet).
Regards
Micha
B
Bauprofix20 Apr 2013 11:12For now, I would still advise against it! The solar energy storage systems that are currently (more or less) cost-effective are regular lead-acid batteries ... basically car batteries. The really good solar storage solutions in the form of lithium-ion batteries are still too expensive (initial investment) at the moment. Better to wait and see!
B
Bauprofix20 Apr 2013 11:14Oh yes, it should not be forgotten that solar storage systems have been eligible for subsidies since May 1, 2013!
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