What is solar energy storage system

What is solar energy storage system?

A solar energy storage system(ESS) is an all-in-one solution integrating an inverter and battery into one unit. As the development of ESS increases throughout solar market, it is important to understand how these mechanisms work and what they allow users to do. Let's analyze this by evaluating first the most important components of an ESS.

What are the components of an solar energy storage system?

Solar panels

One of the important components of ESS is the power source. A solar energy storage system cannot complete without a component that generates electricity that can be later stored inside the system. The power source used in an energy storage system (ESS) is generated by solar panels.

By installing solar panels on the roof or backyard, sunlight is converted into DC electricity which allows power to be generated for the ESS in a convenient and easily accessible way to the commercial and residential sectors.

PV inverter

Solar panels generate electricity in DC which cannot be used by most appliances at home, therefore, the role of the solar inverter is to convert this DC electricity into AC. Solar inverters are necessary to use the electricity generated by solar panels. They are typically designed to be efficient, reliable, and easy to use. Solar inverters come in a variety of sizes and types depending on the size of the solar array and the type of application. Some solar inverters also come with additional features such as energy monitoring, remote access, and grid-interactive capabilities.

Batteries for solar

The battery is another key components in ESS system. It is used to store the energy generated by solar panels for later used. There are several types of batteries frequently used for energy storage system.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead acid batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable batteries and are still commonly used in solar energy storage systems. They are reliable and cost effective, but require regular maintenance and have a limited lifespan. They are also relatively heavy and bulky, making them unsuitable for some applications.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of battery used in solar ESS systems. They are lightweight, have a high energy density and are capable of storing large amounts of energy. They are also more efficient than lead acid batteries, require little maintenance and have a longer lifespan.

However, they are more expensive than lead acid batteries and can be prone to overheating if used improperly.

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

NiCd batteries are capable of withstanding a large number of charge/discharge cycles, making them a reliable choice for solar ESS systems. They require little maintenance and are relatively inexpensive.

However, they are also relatively heavy and can suffer from memory effect, meaning that over time the battery’s capacity will become lower if it is repeatedly charged and discharged.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

NiMH batteries are similar to NiCd batteries, but have a higher energy density. They are also lighter than NiCd batteries and are less prone to memory effect. However, they are more expensive than NiCd batteries and can be prone to overheating if used improperly.

BMS system

This ensures that the batteries are charged safely and efficiently. A Battery Management System (BMS) is a system that is used to manage and monitor the charging and discharging of batteries in a solar ESS system. It ensures that the batteries are charged safely and efficiently, and prevents them from being overcharged or discharged too deeply. The BMS also monitors the temperature of the batteries and ensures that they remain within an optimal range.

Charge Controller

The charge controller ensures that the batteries are not overcharged and prevents the electricity produced by the solar panels from flowing back into the grid.

Have you read: Difference between a pure sine wave inverter and a modified sine wave inverter?