Is energy storage a viable option for utility-scale solar energy systems?

Energy storage has become an increasingly common component of utility-scale solar energy systems in the United States. Much of NREL's analysis for this market segment focuses on the grid impacts of solar-plus-storage systems, though costs and benefits are also frequently considered.

Are off-grid power systems right for You?

Whether you’re dreaming of remote living or just want more energy independence, off-grid power systems offer a compelling alternative to traditional utility electricity. Thanks to advances in solar technology, battery storage, and hybrid setups, it’s more practical than ever to run your home entirely on your own terms.

Does SmartEnergy support off-grid homes?

SmartEnergy supports grid-tied and off-grid homes alike. Discover off-grid energy solutions with solar panels, battery storage, and hybrid setups to gain full energy independence and avoid outages.

How do I set up an off-grid Solar System?

The first step in setting up an off-grid solar system is to determine how much energy your household consumes daily. Here's how you can calculate it: List All Appliances: Identify all the devices and appliances you'll power with your system, including lights, refrigerators, and air conditioning units.

What are the different types of energy storage?

The most common type of energy storage in the power grid is pumped hydropower. But the storage technologies most frequently coupled with solar power plants are electrochemical storage (batteries) with PV plants and thermal storage (fluids) with CSP plants.

Can NREL optimize energy storage operation for utility-scale solar-plus-storage systems?

NREL researchers developed an open-source model to optimize energy storage operation for utility-scale solar-plus-storage systems in both alternating-current-coupled (left) and direct-current-coupled (right) configurations.