Do you want to switch from traditional electricity to solar energy? It can pay big dividends for your wallet, and it’s also great for reducing your carbon footprint. Solar energy can be stored during times of plenty so you can keep powering your home even when the sun dips below the horizon.
Learn more about how solar energy is stored here!
How do solar panels store energy?
Solar panels can store energy in different ways to use it during the times of the day when you need it most. For many owners, this happens in the evening when they come home from work but the sun is no longer shining. There are three ways to store solar energy: battery storage, thermal storage and mechanical storage.
Let’s take a closer look at how each works to determine which system would be best for your home.
Battery storage
Perhaps the most common method of storing energy from solar panels is through the use of lithium-ion batteries. During peak hours of the day, energy is stored inside the battery through a chemical reaction that allows it to store energy for later consumption. This same chemical reaction is then reversed, allowing you to access your stored energy.
The industry is rapidly investing in science-based battery system improvements that will allow more people to store their solar power efficiently in the future. Not only is it the most common type of solar energy storage, but it is also one of the most scalable options. Many people are surprised to learn how much solar energy their batteries can store, saving them from having to connect to the power grid during downtime.
Thermal storage
Although a little less common, thermal storage is another way to store solar energy. It can take the heat of the sun to warm water or molten salt inside an insulated tank. This heat can then be used to generate power later in the day when you need it most.
Mechanical storage
Mechanical energy is another less common option for storing solar energy. This process works by turning your excess energy into mechanical power through the use of a flywheel or via compressed air. Later, this mechanical power can be converted back into electrical energy. This allows you to access the energy stored by your system during daylight hours when sunlight was at its peak.
Ready to install solar panels?
When you’re ready to install solar panels and lower your electricity bill, it’s important to contact the professionals to help you. SRB Energy specializes in the installation of solar panels, and we can help you choose the right storage solution so you can make good use of solar energy throughout the day. Click here to learn more about how your home can benefit from installing solar panels with SRB Energy.