China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery producer, says its energy storage batteries can last for 25 years. Will it save the planet? Not on its own — but grid-scale energy storage is part of the combination of clean energy technologies that is needed to reach net zero.
First, a domestic battery storage system will reduce your energy bills by circa 85%. You have energy stored up, which means you can manage it efficiently. So, you’re less reliant on the grid, and not beholden to peak charges. As well as these initial savings, your battery system will enable you to get smarter about your energy usage over time.
So, you can charge your battery using free, green sources. And, because the energy from renewables is intermittent, a storage battery allows you to harness it more efficiently for consistent use. In the second instance, a storage battery can also take power from the grid. Here, the battery will charge using low-cost, off-peak energy.
Your panels won’t power your home during evenings, for instance. Adding a home storage battery means you can get the most from your renewables and enjoy cheap energy morning, noon, and night. Plus, this concept of consistent low-cost energy also applies during outages.
Battery storage systems have several advantages when paired with renewable energy and non-renewable forms of generation. Solar and wind can be unpredictable, so battery storage systems are a key component in steadying energy flow by providing a steady supply whenever required, irrespective of weather conditions.
In the first instance, a storage battery can take its charge from renewables. (I.e., from solar panels, or wind or hydro turbines.) So, you can charge your battery using free, green sources. And, because the energy from renewables is intermittent, a storage battery allows you to harness it more efficiently for consistent use.