What are the best energy storage solutions for factories using solar power?
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Lead-acid batteries
- Flow batteries
- Compressed air energy storage
- Thermal energy storage
Overview
- Energy storage solutions allow factories to store excess solar energy for use during low sunlight, ensuring smooth operations.
- Options like lithium-ion batteries and thermal energy storage offer benefits based on energy needs, space, and budget.
- The right system reduces grid reliance, lowers costs, and enhances power reliability, promoting energy independence and sustainability.
For factories using solar power, energy storage is a game-changer — it helps maximize the potential of solar energy by storing excess power for use during periods of low or no sunlight, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you’re looking 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 choices to advanced systems, to elevate your operations.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Known for their high efficiency, long lifespan, and compact design, lithium-ion batteries are a must-have for every industrial use because of how they can store a significant amount of energy and discharge it quickly when needed, ensuring that your factory operations remain uninterrupted during periods of low solar generation or high demand.
At Solaric, the leading solar panel provider in the Philippines, we have been leading the charge with lithium-based energy storage since 2016. Our flagship product, the SMILE Lithium Battery Hybrid System, has been a game changer for businesses transitioning to solar energy.
This European-design award-winning battery is a smart system that detects excess power generated by your solar panels and diverts it to battery charging. Additionally, the SMILE system can supply critical loads during power outages, ensuring your factory stays operational even when the grid fails.
Lead-Acid Batteries
One of the oldest and most widely used types of batteries for energy storage, lead-acid batteries are still a reliable option for factories integrating solar power 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 businesses looking for a cost-effective energy storage solution.
Also, it’s important to consider that lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries, typically lasting between 3 to 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 they can store energy effectively, factories may need to install more units to meet their energy storage needs.
Flow Batteries
Unlike traditional batteries, which store energy in a solid form, flow batteries store energy in liquid form within external tanks. This unique design allows them to offer impressive scalability, long-lasting performance, and enhanced energy storage capabilities.
Flow batteries stand out for their scalability. To expand energy storage, you can increase tank size without replacing the system. This flexibility makes them a reliable, long-term solution for growing operations.
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 power, the compressed air is released and passed through a turbine to generate electricity.
It can also store vast amounts of energy in a relatively small physical footprint, especially when compared to other forms of energy storage like batteries. Additionally, CAES systems are capable of storing energy for extended periods, making them well-suited for industries that need backup power over long durations, such as during extended grid outages or peak demand periods.
Thermal Energy Storage
An innovative solution for storing excess solar energy as heat, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) 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 involves converting electricity into chemical energy and back, TES directly stores heat, which can be a more energy-efficient process. It also has the advantage of being able to store energy for longer periods compared to other storage systems, particularly when used in combination with molten salt or phase-change materials that can hold heat for days.
Key Takeaway
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 a stable and reliable power supply, reduce your reliance on the grid, and reduce operational costs.
Ready to take the next step toward energy independence? Contact Solaric today to explore your options and get a customized energy storage solution for your factory that will drive efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings.
