SOLAR STORAGE

The biggest problem of solar power technologies is how to store the power generated for those times when sunlight is unavailable. Currently, most solar power plants do not have the capability to store excess energy from sunny days to be used on cloudy days. One option is to use a storage battery bank that will collect and store power anytime the system is producing more energy than is needed.  

Photovoltaic to Battery Storage 

A storage battery is an excellent system for supplying electricity when and where it is needed on non-sunny days when solar power is not available. Photovoltaic systems with a backup battery storage unit are used to provide electricity for power tools, lights, home appliances, telephones, and televisions. Photovoltaic/battery systems work well in remote areas where utility power is unavailable or at a distance that is so far away that it would be too costly to install utility transmission lines to a building. 


 Although batteries make photovoltaic systems more useful, they also require some maintenance. Th e batteries used in photovoltaic systems are referred to as deep-cycling batteries, the kinds that are used on many golf carts. Th e batteries are bigger than the typical car battery. Th ese kinds of batteries allow more stored energy for use each day. 
 Batteries designed for photovoltaic projects need to be handled with care. Th e fl uid needs to be checked in unsealed batteries periodically.

John F. Mongillo
A Student Guide to Energy 
Copyright 2011
Greenwood Publishing Group
Volume 2 Solar Energy and Hydrogen Fuel Cells

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