Storing solar energy: possibilities and advantages

In this article, you'll discover how to make the most of the energy from your solar panels by storing it. We cover different forms of energy storage, such as battery systems and alternative methods, and give you practical tips for getting the most out of your solar power.

Importance of storing solar energy

More and more homeowners are choosing solar panels to lower their energy bills and contribute to a sustainable future. Yet your panels typically generate most of your energy during the day, while you need extra power at night or in the winter.

By storing this excess energy, you can benefit from your own solar power at any time and reduce dependence on the grid.

Advantages of storing your own solar power

By storing your solar power, you reduce your energy costs, increase your independence and contribute to a greener future.

• Cost savings: by storing your own solar energy, you need less power from the grid. This results in lower energy costs and a shorter payback period for your solar panels.
• Independence: with your own storage system, you are less dependent on energy suppliers and can respond better to price increases. This ensures a more stable energy supply.
• Sustainability: the more self-generated energy you use, the less you depend on electricity from fossil fuels. This way you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.‍
• Preparing for winter: in winter, solar panels generally produce less power than in summer. By storing some of the energy generated, you can store the electricity longer and use it especially during the dark months.

Ways to conserve solar energy

There are several ways to store the excess solar energy generated by your panels for later use. Depending on your personal needs, budget and living environment, you can choose a battery storage system, feed-in to the grid or alternative storage methods. Below we discuss the most common options.

Battery storage for solar panels

With battery storage, you capture the excess solar energy your panels generate during the day, so you can enjoy a stable power supply at night and on cloudy days. A home battery captures the energy your solar panels generate during the day and stores it, so you can use your own solar power when the sun isn't shining. Battery storage for businesses is also a popular choice.

The most commonly used batteries for home storage are lithium-ion variants. These combine long life with high storage capacity. Traditional lead-acid batteries are also still common, but are increasingly falling out of favor because of lower efficiency and shorter life spans. Newer technologies, such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, are emerging and potentially offer even more advantages, such as improved safety and higher energy density.

When choosing a battery, consider its capacity (expressed in kWh) and number of charge cycles. These factors largely determine how well the battery matches your daily energy consumption, as well as how long the battery will last.

Feed-in to the grid and net-metering

In both Belgium and the Netherlands, there is the option to partially feed excess solar power back to the grid. While this can contribute to a lower energy bill, the compensation you receive is subject to laws and regulations. This can vary by region and energy supplier, so it pays to inform yourself well about local conditions.

The salderings scheme in the Netherlands will be phased out in the coming years. Also in Belgium there are regular changes in the regulations. As a result, in the future it may become less attractive to balance only through the grid. An own storage system is then an interesting option to have more control over your energy consumption, since the advantages of feed-in are no longer always obvious.

Alternative forms of storage

In addition to battery storage, there are other ways to store excess solar energy. Below are some alternative options:

• Heat storage: by using your solar energy to heat water in a boiler or buffer system, you use less gas or electricity. This results in lower costs and lower carbon emissions.
• Hydrogen storage: here the energy from solar panels is used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can later be converted back into electricity or used as fuel. This technology is still in its infancy, but offers great potential for large-scale and long-term storage.
• Electric car as a battery: with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, your car's battery can not only be charged, but also feed power back into your home or the grid. This increases the flexibility of your energy consumption and makes you less dependent on external suppliers.

Considerations when storing solar energy

Storing your own solar power can bring you many benefits, but there are also some important concerns. For example, cost, capacity and installation requirements play a role in choosing a suitable storage system. Here's what to look for to make the best decision.

Cost and payback period

A good solar energy storage system can be a significant investment. Consider the purchase cost of the battery or other storage technology, plus installation costs. By thoroughly mapping out these expenses, you can avoid surprises and make an informed choice.

The time it takes to recoup your investment depends on several factors, such as your energy consumption, energy prices and any subsidies. Therefore, make a realistic calculation based on your personal situation. That way you will gain insight into the benefits in both the short and long term.

Capacity and peak load

When choosing an energy storage system, it is important to consider your daily energy consumption. A battery that is too small will fill up quickly, while one that is too large may be unnecessarily expensive. Look for a capacity (expressed in kWh) that fits your average consumption profile so that you get the optimal return from your solar energy.

In addition to capacity, peak loads play a role. In the morning and in the evening your consumption is usually higher, for example due to cooking and household appliances. Therefore, make sure your battery can provide sufficient power at these times. In this way, you can take full advantage of your own solar power, even if you need a lot of energy within a short period of time.

Tips for Solar Energy Storage in Winter

Storing solar energy is not just reserved for the sunny summer months. You can also benefit from your own generated power during the dark days if you take a few smart measures. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your solar panels and storage system during the winter period.

• Ensure proper maintenance: cleaning and checking your solar panels regularly will help them maintain their efficiency. Also check that your battery system is functioning properly and that all components are working properly. That way, you avoid failures at times when you need the solar power the most.
• Optimize energy consumption: try to use energy-intensive appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, during the day whenever possible. That way, you make direct use of the generated energy when the sun is shining, resulting in higher self-consumption and more savings.
• Combine with a hybrid heat pump: by storing heat in addition to electricity, you can further reduce your dependence on gas. A hybrid heat pump helps you convert energy generated during the day into heat for your home. This not only allows you to use your solar power more efficiently, but also further reduces your energy costs at the same time.

Solar energy as key to a self-sufficient future

Storing solar energy allows you to benefit from your own sustainably generated electricity not only in the summer, but all year round. You save on energy costs, are less dependent on the grid and contribute to a cleaner living environment. Whether you choose battery storage, feed-in to the grid or alternative methods such as thermal or hydrogen storage, it is essential that you find a solution that fits your consumption, budget and future plans.

At Frax, you will find innovative and sustainable plug-and-play energy storage systems, designed to completely take the worry out of your hands. Thanks to their expertise in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and customized approach, you can continue to use your own solar power even in winter. Want to know which energy solutions best suit your situation? Feel free to contact us for tailored advice.

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