Solar and wind are becoming more and more popular as the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy. The problem is, these energy sources are not always reliable. Night falls, the wind doesn’t always blow, the sun doesn’t shine. Batteries are used to add reliability and practicality to renewable energy.
Why Do We Need Batteries for Renewable Energy?
While renewable energy is good for the environment, it only works when the weather does. Only when the sun is out can solar panels produce power or when the wind blows, turbines generate electricity. Due to that, energy production can be off peak, and that the gaps get bigger when demand is high, for instance in the evening when people use more electricity.
But batteries help overcome this by storing excess energy made during the day or when the wind is strong. When energy production slows down later, batteries release their stored electricity in order to keep the grid running smoothly. Renewable energy is much more dependable because it has this ability to balance supply and demand.
How do Batteries Help Energy Grids?
Batteries do more than just store energy; they help energy grids in several important ways:
• Energy Storage: Battery energy storage systems (BESS), large scale battery systems, store excess electricity produced from renewable sources. All this stored energy can be used during peak times or in emergencies.
• Grid Stabilization: Batteries can be used in microgrids to stabilize the grid while managing the sudden changes in supply and demand. For example, batteries can almost instantly step in if there’s a power surge or a drop in production or even a failure in grid supply.
• Off-Grid Solutions: Batteries paired with renewable systems (like solar panels) supply a stable power for homes in remote areas without access to traditional energy grids.
Renewable Energy Types of Batteries Used
Not all batteries are the same. It depends on the scale and its purpose; different technologies are used. For their high energy density and fast charging capabilities, lithium ion batteries have seen widespread adoption in recent years, but still don’t have dominance over the space. Lead acid technologies still have the largest footprint, and for good reason. While lithium may have the energy density aspect, nothing compares to the safety, reliability, and price point of lead acid formats like Fullriver AGM batteries. And, when it comes to end of life, nothing compares to the ease of recycling that lead-acid AGM batteries offer.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of battery, but ongoing research and innovation on all fronts are working to improve them (more efficiently, affordably, and sustainably).
Batteries and Renewable Energy: What’s Next?
Advances in battery technology will play a vital role in determining the future of renewable energy. New types of batteries that can store more energy for longer periods and that are made with environmentally friendly materials are the focus of work by scientists and engineers. While it’s tempting to imagine replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, current energy demands require all options to be on the table. Certainly, demand for fossil fuels has at least been reduced.
Conclusion
And batteries are a big part of the transition to a greener future. They store energy and stabilize grids to help make renewable sources like solar and wind more reliable and feasible. But as technology advances, batteries will become more and more important in helping create a cleaner, more sustainable world.
