What is solar-plus-storage?

For solar-plus-storage—the pairing of solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage technologies—NREL researchers study and quantify the unique economic and grid benefits reaped by distributed and utility-scale systems. Much of NREL's current energy storage research is informing solar-plus-storage analysis.

How does solar-plus-storage affect energy systems?

Solar-plus-storage shifts some of the solar system's output to evening and night hours and provides other grid benefits. NREL employs a variety of analysis approaches to understand the factors that influence solar-plus-storage deployment and how solar-plus-storage will affect energy systems.

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.

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.

Can a solar energy storage system be installed in a commercial building?

Just as PV systems can be installed in small-to-medium-sized installations to serve residential and commercial buildings, so too can energy storage systems—often in the form of lithium-ion batteries.

How much does a solar PV system cost?

The system costs range from $380 per kWh for those that can provide electricity for 4 hours to $895 per kWh for 30-minute systems. All right, so what will a 100-megawatt PV system with a 60-megawatt lithium-ion battery with 4 hours of storage cost?