What is a solar-plus-storage system?

Simply put, a solar-plus-storage system is a battery system that is charged by a connected solar system, such as a photovoltaic (PV) one. In an effort to track this trend, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) created a first-of-its-kind benchmark of U.S. utility-scale solar-plus-storage systems.

What is a thermal battery & how does it work?

“Thermal batteries with power generation capacity, such as PHPS, leverage the significantly lower cost of thermal energy storage to increase the overall storage capacity of the system. In addition, PHPS systems generate heat as a by-product during the energy conversion, which can be used directly in the building to supply its heating demand.”

How has solar-plus-storage helped keep the lights on?

Adding 19 GW of solar and 6.2 GW of storage since 2019 helped keep the lights on – an 800% increase in solar and 5,500% increase in battery storage over that period. Solar-plus-storage is solving demand growth by providing reliable power when the grid needs it most – during peak hours.

Is battery storage a good complement to solar power?

The influx of battery storage incentives proves that battery storage is the ideal complement to solar power, both for individual resilience and grid support. You can learn more about the battery storage incentives in your area by visiting the DSIRE website here.

Should you invest in battery storage with solar?

States increasingly adopt NEM incentives that favor battery storage inclusion with solar. By taking advantage of paired installs and current incentives, you can maximize your energy savings, enhance your home’s resilience during power outages, and contribute to a more balanced energy system for your home.

What is pumped thermal electricity storage (PTEs)?

Known as pumped thermal electricity storage—or PTES—these systems use grid electricity and heat pumps to alternate between heating and cooling materials in tanks—creating stored energy that can then be used to generate power as needed.