After reading our Solar Power Buyer’s Guide, you now know everything there is to know about solar power. Now that you’re an expert on solar storage systems, you will know that the industry is constantly evolving. The renewable energy area is already showing signs of energy market domination; however, there is a second wave that will change energy consumption forever.

What is Solar Storage?

Solar energy storage is an additional process attached to the solar panels and inverters whereby energy is  absorbed by solar panels and converted to energy. Solar storage enables this energy to be stored in batteries for the purpose of using the energy at a later time in the day.

Background

In the past, there have been two main types of solar energy storage system. The first, and earliest, is the lead-acid or deep-cycle battery. This technology has been around for more than 100 years, and was the dominant form of battery storage until the 1970s. It was then that scientists at Stanford University discovered a way to make electrodes store lithium ions within layers of titanium sulfide – the result being a rechargeable battery.

In the 1980s, scientists found that a cobalt-oxide cathode was a more stable storage element and this was incorporated into the development of rechargeable battery technology. The technology, despite a number of complications along the way, eventually became the more dominant battery technology that we use today in many aspects of our daily lives.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Have It?

The reason why not everyone has solar is simple – price. Unfortunately entry into the solar market still requires significant upfront capital investment, and solar storage systems are an even more expensive addition to an already relatively pricey investment. Luckily, this is changing.

Industry experts say we are entering the ‘age of energy storage’, thanks to a combination of solar integrated storage solutions and efficient grid technology. Solar storage is advancing rapidly for such a new technology, and production costs are falling as supply increases. As a result, residential solar energy storage systems are becoming increasingly popular within Australia.  

Why Should You Choose Solar?

The new generation of energy storage will be more affordable, higher-performing and more streamlined. Even in the past five years, the cost of solar panels and solar batteries has reduced significantly. As Australian households experience increasing bill shock, the financial case for making the solar switch in becoming clear. 

With the solar storage revolution just around the corner, we are here to prepare you with out step by step guide on everything there is to know about solar energy storage. As a consumer, it is essential to know the dos and don’ts in order to become a carbon neutral, money-saving energy consumer.