Solar + Storage: Energy's New Power Couple Video (Text Version)
Peanut butter and jelly. Copy and paste. Solar energy and storage?
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory believe that solar and batteries could be the next great pairing...to meet peak electricity demand in the U.S., that is.
Through an objective, in-depth analysis of the relationship between battery-based storage and solar photovoltaic or PV electricity in California, researchers found that adding high amounts of PV to the grid could increase the ability of storage to support peak electricity demand across the state.
In other words, the technologies actually work better together than they do alone.
So, as the cost of both solar PV and batteries continue to drop, California's energy needs can be met in a clean, affordable, and reliable way. And it's not just the Golden State; researchers say this pairing could help solve energy challenges across the country. Now that's what we call a "power couple".
Learn more about NREL's exciting electric grid research at nrel.gov/analysis.