Solar and Battery Storage – Creating a Resilient Microgrid

Solar and battery storage are two technologies which are becoming increasingly popular today. They provide a backup power source in case of a utility outage or natural disaster. And, they can also be used to increase the resilience of a local microgrid. Combined with a local, renewable energy resource, these technologies can greatly improve the reliability of a community.

Solar and Battery Storage – Creating a Resilient Microgrid

Solar power and battery storage are key components of creating a resilient microgrid. By combining these two technologies, you can create an independent energy system that provides reliable, renewable electricity to homes and businesses even in times of grid failure.

Solar panels collect energy from the sun which is then stored in a battery bank. During peak hours, the energy from the batteries can be used to reduce or eliminate electricity costs by powering homes and businesses without relying on the grid. The batteries also provide backup power during extended outages, keeping essential systems running during blackouts.

By using solar and battery storage together, you can become more self-reliant and less reliant on the grid while still being able to access clean, renewable energy when you need it. It’s a great way to ensure that your home or business stays powered no matter what life throws your way.

Distributed solar PV provides backup power in case of a utility outage or natural disaster

One of the most reliable forms of backup power in an outage is residential solar power combined with battery storage. It’s not new, but it is quickly becoming a mainstream disaster-preparedness choice.

One of the most exciting aspects of solar + storage is the ability to store energy in batteries when it’s sunny and sell it back to the grid when it’s cloudy. This can help alleviate the stresses placed on the grid during periods of peak demand.

Another cool factor is the fact that these batteries can be recharged during periods of low solar irradiance. In the case of a natural disaster, a large solar array combined with battery storage can provide a reliable power source for essential appliances.

While no one wants to think about a power outage, there are ways to mitigate the impact of weather extremes and prepare for future blackouts. For example, strategically placed solar PV systems and microgrids can help make your community more resilient.

A small photovoltaic system can also be a very reliable backup for essential devices such as phones, lights and radios during a power outage. Small solar systems are also ideal for emergency shelters.

The best way to get a handle on what your community needs is to examine past outages and evaluate what is possible for your area. By doing so, you can increase your energy security and save your utility money.

Distribution Energy Storage Integration Supports Local Reliability

Energy storage integrates distributed energy resources (DER) into the power system. It can improve reliability and efficiency of the grid and increase the capacity factor of existing resources.

Battery and flywheel technology are two popular options for energy storage. They provide reliability and ease of use for consumers. These technologies are also a key enabler in the decarbonization of the power system.

ABB has a full digitalized portfolio of solutions that can be deployed right to a customer site. This leads to faster project execution and higher savings for customers. In addition, ABB has the industry’s most stringent safety standards.

Energy storage is also important in supporting the resilience of the grid. It can serve as a backup power source during outages and disruptions. And, it can support local distribution circuits impacted by high penetration of renewable energy sources.

The state of California is piloting a battery energy storage system to support local distribution circuits. It can supply 2.4 megawatts of power continuously for a half hour.

Research from the energy storage program of the Energy Storage Integration Council of EPRI aims to develop publicly available tools and techniques for the integration of storage into the grid. These include DER-VET(r) and operational decision making methodologies. Using these tools, the Energy Storage Integration Council facilitates the management and operation of energy storage.

The Energy Storage Integration Council is also involved in developing guidelines to promote the safe and efficient use of energy storage. These guidelines identify the potential hazards and mitigations of storage and describe the safety approaches for the public, first responders, and utilities.

Lithium-Ion Batteries Dominate the Solar Energy Storage Industry

Lithium-ion batteries are making rapid headway in the solar energy storage industry. These batteries, which are stacked in layers of polymer separators, are used for a variety of consumer devices, including portable electronic appliances, power tools, and cameras.

This high-energy-to-weight ratio also means less maintenance and lower self-discharge rates. It is expected that lithium-ion batteries will continue to dominate the stationary storage market for a number of years to come. However, some alternative battery chemistries may soon play a larger role.

The lithium-ion battery industry has come a long way since it first began commercialization in 1991. Advances in the technology have allowed for battery pack energy density to increase and for novel, high-capacity electrodes to be developed.

Today, these batteries are being used to power electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, drones, and medical equipment. They are also being deployed to replace diesel generators in areas with continuous power needs.

However, these batteries are not perfect for storing energy for extended periods. Despite advances in battery technology, the actual energy density of these batteries remains well below the theoretical limit. Several factors, including government regulations, may affect their future viability.

In the U.S., government incentives are accelerating the development of renewable energy and energy storage. This has led to an explosion of large-scale battery storage systems.

Several companies, including SunRun, are offering a variety of storage solutions for solar energy. The company’s first storage battery is about the size of a home washer and dryer combination. By 2021, it expects to have a bigger capacity, which could help it replace lithium-ion batteries for utility-scale storage.

Group Buying Programs for Rooftop Solar and Battery Storage

For residents interested in installing solar electricity, there are several group buying programs in the Bay Area. They are designed to make the cost of going solar cheaper for each participant. In addition, there are incentives that help participants go solar. These can include tax credits, property assessed clean energy financing, and rebates.

A solar group buy is a group of people who want to install solar or battery storage. The people in the group decide on an installer and get together to reduce the cost of the installation. It is a great way to reduce upfront costs.

There are also group buying programs that combine solar installations with solar leases. Buying in bulk allows contractors to save money.

Group buying programs also allow customers to benefit from more flexible financing options. Depending on your needs, you can find a program that offers pre-negotiated discounts, financial rebates, and other incentives.

In addition to the Bay Area SunShares campaign, there are many other group purchasing programs. Some of them include the Missouri Botanical Garden, Solarize Portland, and Sustain Jefferson.

The Washington University Solar Power Program and the Missouri Botanical Garden also offer educational programs and other resources. You can learn more about the program by contacting the host organization.

A solar group buy program in Milwaukee aims to lower the cost of going solar by using collective buying power. This is achieved through a partnership between a contractor and a nonprofit organization that organizes site visits and materials.

Resilient Microgrids

Resilient microgrids with solar and battery storage are becoming more common as communities are increasingly looking for ways to increase resiliency and reduce carbon emissions. They can help ensure that critical services continue to run during a prolonged power outage. These systems can also provide additional benefits.

Many microgrids use smart inverters to allow multi-directional power flow and respond to contingencies. They can also be customized to meet local needs. This allows customers to make a seamless transition from utility connection to utility independent operation.

Microgrids are particularly beneficial for critical infrastructure. For example, hospitals must maintain power in order to keep life-saving technologies running. Similarly, police stations must have access to electricity.

Microgrids with solar and battery storage have become very popular among homeowners. The combination of PV and battery storage offers numerous advantages. In addition, the technology is a clean and cost-effective option.

As with any project, a microgrid’s design requires complex tradeoffs. PNNL’s Microgrid Component Optimizations for Resilience platform can guide decision-makers through the process.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources recently commissioned a report to provide a better understanding of microgrids’ resiliency benefits. It draws on lessons learned in other states and provides policies and strategies.

While there are many benefits to microgrids, they also need to be installed carefully. Unlike the main grid, they can’t simply turn off when power is interrupted. A resilient microgrid system requires sufficient generation to meet the site load requirements. Without extra fuel, the system won’t be able to supply energy.

Applications of Solar Energy to Improve Resiliency

Solar + storage systems are a powerful tool for improving the resilience of the grid. This combination of technologies helps to keep power steady during changes in building loads and output, and it helps to ensure that critical loads can continue to operate during emergency events.

There are several options available for designing these hybrid systems. The cost, benefits, and construction considerations vary depending on the system design.

Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage can detect when the power goes off from the grid and switch into an “islanding” mode. This mode will allow them to continue to deliver power to the facility when the utility company can’t restore service.

In addition to being more resilient, distributed solar and storage resources can be a cost-effective way to lower the rate of peak demand charges. It can also be used to reduce emissions and reduce energy costs for homes and businesses.

Solar + storage can be used as a stand-alone, or as part of a community-wide resilience hub. The resilience hub can be located inside a building or outside.

Whether the building is a commercial, industrial, or residential facility, it’s important to design a resilient system with the appropriate capacity. This is especially important if the facility is subject to a natural disaster. Creating a resilient system with an in-house or on-site power source can help keep essential services operating and prevent the loss of life.