What are the best energy storage solutions for factories using solar energy?
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Lead-acid batteries
- Flow batteries
- Compressed air energy storage
- Thermal energy storage
overview
- Energy storage solutions enable factories to store excess solar energy for use when solar radiation is low, ensuring smooth operations.
- Options such as lithium-ion batteries and thermal energy storage offer benefits depending on energy needs, space and budget.
- The right system reduces grid dependency, lowers costs and increases power reliability, promoting energy independence and sustainability.
For factories using solar energy, energy storage is critical – it helps maximize the potential of solar energy by storing excess electricity for use during periods of little or no sunlight, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Whether you want to reduce energy costs, increase sustainability, or achieve energy independence, choosing the right energy storage solution for your factory is important.
This article highlights some of the best energy storage options available, from popular options to advanced systems to optimize your operations.
Lithium-ion batteries
Known for their high efficiency, long lifespan and compact design, lithium-ion batteries are a must for any industrial use as they can store a significant amount of energy and quickly discharge when needed, ensuring your factory operations remain uninterrupted at times low solar energy production or high demand.
At Solaric, the leading solar panel provider in the Philippines, we have been a leader in lithium-based energy storage since 2016. Our flagship product, the SMILE Lithium Battery Hybrid System, has made a critical difference for companies transitioning to solar energy.
This award-winning European-designed battery is an intelligent system that detects excess power generated by your solar panels and redirects it to charge the battery. Additionally, the SMILE system can power critical loads during power outages, ensuring your factory remains operational even during a power outage.
Lead-acid batteries
As one of the oldest and most widely used battery types for energy storage, lead-acid batteries are still a reliable option for factories integrating solar energy into their operations. These batteries have been around for decades and are known for their affordability and proven performance.
While they may not offer the same energy density or lifespan as lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries remain a viable option for companies looking for a cost-effective energy storage solution.
Another thing to keep in mind is that lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries, typically lasting between 3 and 5 years depending on usage and maintenance.
They also require more space for storage and are less efficient in terms of energy density. This means that while factories can store energy effectively, they may need to install more units to meet their energy storage needs.
Flow batteries
Unlike traditional batteries that store energy in solid form, flow batteries store energy in liquid form in external tanks. This unique design means they offer impressive scalability, long-lasting performance and enhanced energy storage capabilities.
Flow batteries are characterized by their scalability. To expand energy storage, you can increase the tank size without replacing the system. This flexibility makes them a reliable, long-term solution for growing businesses.
Compressed air energy storage
In a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system, electricity is used to compress air, which is then stored in large underground caverns or tanks. When the factory needs electricity, the compressed air is released and passed through a turbine to generate electricity.
It can also store large amounts of energy in a relatively small space, especially compared to other forms of energy storage such as batteries. Additionally, CAES systems are capable of storing energy for extended periods of time, making them well-suited to industries that require backup power for extended periods, such as during extended grid outages or peak demand periods.
Thermal energy storage
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is an innovative solution for storing excess solar energy as heat. It captures solar heat during the day and releases it to power industrial processes or provide heating at night or on cloudy days.
Compared to traditional battery storage, which converts electricity into chemical energy and vice versa, TES stores heat directly, which can be a more energy efficient process. Compared to other storage systems, it also offers the advantage of being able to store energy for longer periods, especially when used in combination with molten salt or phase change materials that can retain heat for days.
Key to take away
Choosing the right energy storage solution for your factory is crucial to maximizing the benefits of solar energy. By investing in the right storage system, you can ensure stable and reliable power, reduce your dependence on the grid and reduce operating costs.
Are you ready to take the next step towards energy independence? Contact Solaric today to explore your options and receive a customized energy storage solution for your factory that increases efficiency, sustainability and cost savings.
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