The expansion of solar energy is experiencing a boom worldwide. The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources is leading to more and more households and companies installing solar systems. But one aspect is often underestimated: the stored solar power not only offers independence from the public grid, but can also significantly reduce energy costs. How exactly does solar power storage work and what benefits does it bring? A detailed look at the technology and cost structure shows why electricity storage will play a key role in the future of energy supply.
Use solar power intelligently
Solar systems generate electricity during the day – often more than can be used directly. This excess electricity is either fed into the public grid or stored in a power storage system for later use. Since electricity consumption in most households is higher in the evening or at night when the sun is not shining, storing solar power produced during the day is a sensible way to optimize your own consumption.
By using electricity storage, the share of self-consumption of a photovoltaic system can be increased significantly – from an average of 30% without storage to up to 70% with an efficient storage system. Feeding excess electricity into the grid does result in a remuneration, but this is often lower than the price of electricity that would be charged when purchasing it from the grid. This is where the advantage of storage becomes clear: your own solar power is usually cheaper than buying electricity from the grid.
How electricity storage works
A Electricity storage – often a battery – stores the solar power that is not used during the day and makes it available when needed. These are usually lithium-ion batteries, which currently represent the standard in terms of efficiency and service life. A typical photovoltaic system is combined with an inverter that converts the direct current from the solar cells into usable alternating current. The storage is connected directly to this system.
Modern storage systems work with intelligent controls. These ensure that the stored electricity is used preferentially at times when electricity costs are highest or when the network is under particular load. At the same time, some systems, in combination with intelligent metering devices, can track electricity prices on the market and even specifically purchase electricity from the grid during times of low prices if it is worthwhile.
Economic viability of an electricity storage system
The costs of electricity storage have fallen significantly in recent years, making them increasingly interesting for many households and companies. The acquisition costs vary depending on size and capacity. On average, you should budget around 2,000 to 8,000 euros for a system with around 5 kWh capacity. The lifespan of such a storage device is around 10 to 15 years. During this time, a significant reduction in energy costs can be expected through increased self-consumption.
The payback period of a storage system depends largely on electricity consumption, the feed-in tariff and the general electricity price level. In many cases, storage will pay for itself within 8 to 12 years. A decisive advantage: the higher the electricity prices rise, the greater the savings potential through the stored electricity.
Additional Funding through government programs or low-interest loans can reduce acquisition costs. It is worth keeping an eye on regional programs, as additional funding is often offered in addition to national funding.
Flexibility and security of supply
Another central argument for electricity storage is increasing independence from the public grid. Storage systems offer a safe and reliable source of energy, especially in regions where power outages are not uncommon. In the event of a grid failure, the household or business can access stored energy reserves and continue to operate critical infrastructure or equipment.
The flexibility of electricity storage will also play a role in the future: With the growing number of electric vehicles and intelligent energy management systems, electricity storage could become a central component in a networked energy system. Your own photovoltaic system in combination with an electricity storage system makes it possible to charge electric cars directly with self-produced electricity – a particularly sustainable and cost-saving form of mobility.
Ecological benefits
In addition to the financial incentives, storing solar power also offers ecological benefits. Every kilowatt of solar power that is produced and used helps reduce CO₂ emissions. Anyone who optimizes their own consumption and uses less electricity from fossil sources is making an active contribution to climate protection. While systems on roofs are already established, facades are still ignored – even though they offer great potential.
As the expansion of renewable energies advances worldwide, grid stability is an increasingly important factor. Storage solutions help to balance out network fluctuations and ensure security of supply. They act like a buffer that absorbs excess energy and releases it again when needed. This prevents overloads from occurring that could destabilize the network.
Future prospects: Electricity storage as an integral part of the energy transition
Electricity storage is an indispensable part of a sustainable and independent energy supply. They make it possible to use the full performance of solar systems and at the same time offer flexibility and security in the energy supply.
The role of electricity storage could expand further in the future. By integrating them into so-called “virtual power plants,” in which many decentralized storage systems are networked with each other, they could help stabilize the entire power grid. In addition, technological progress in battery development – for example through the use of new materials such as solid-state batteries – will further improve the efficiency and service life of storage devices.
Investing in an electricity storage system is not only a sensible step towards cost savings, but also a contribution to the stability of the electricity network and climate protection. With rising electricity prices and the increasing desire for independence, the importance of storage systems will continue to grow in the coming years.
October 2, 2024