Today’s solar batteries are improving, although even the best models still can’t store quite enough electricity to power a building through darker days. But that’s rapidly changing. With the obvious environmental and economic benefits of solar energy, researchers are developing new battery technology that will make solar the smart choice in more locations. 

Plenty of Energy

Every year the sun beams enough free energy to the U.S. to power the entire country 600 times over. With current energy storage limits, many homes and businesses with solar panels sell the surplus energy their panels collect back to the grid, which they tap back into when their batteries need to recharge. Only those in very sunny climates can reliably cut ties with the power company and fossil fuels.

But battery storage capability is predicted to expand by 50 times over the next 10 years, fostering optimism around the continued growth of solar energy. Given the improved storage capabilities, experts in Australia expect more than half of all households to switch to solar in the near future.

“Anyone who has photovoltaic cells on their roof knows they’re paid a fraction — maybe a tenth — of what it costs them to buy power off the grid,” said Andrew Stock of Australia’s Climate Council. “If they have a tool, a battery, that can allow them to store the surplus power during the day and use it at night, it means they’re going to get greater control than they already have over their power bill.”

Play with the Grid

Even if you have to rely on the grid sometimes, increased solar storage gives you the chance to take advantage of the best rates.

Some electricity providers have started offering customers a critical peak pricing plan, which means they pay more during certain heavy power usage times in exchange for lower rates at other times. With boosted solar storage, you could opt for critical peak pricing, but switch to your solar reserves during the priciest times of day, in order to maximize your savings.

Safety First

One of the biggest hurdles to better solar storage has been safety. So far one of the best battery options — lithium ion batteries — does offer plenty of storage, but also poses a fire risk.

Researchers have been working on new technology that will replicate the storage possibilities of lithium ion batteries without the risk of flames. A team at Harvard recently unveiled a promising flow battery that is made from inexpensive, non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable materials.

“It is a huge step forward. It opens this up for anyone to use,” said Michael Aziz, a  Harvard University Engineering Professor and co-author of a study on the new type of battery. “This is chemistry I’d be happy to put in my basement.”

Meanwhile, Tesla recently introduced Powerwall, a relatively inexpensive battery that can store plenty of energy to power a building. It’s estimated that by 2020, Tesla will be producing 35 gigawatt hours of battery storage each year. That’s more than current annual worldwide production.

As the demand for solar continues to grow, it’s likely that research into better ways to store solar energy in batteries won’t be slowing down any time soon.

If you’d like to find out how installing solar panels on your roof can help you drive your electric bill down to zero, contact us today for a free quote.