What is the Process for Storing Excess Electricity Generated by Rooftop Solar Panels for Use at Night?

With advancements in technology, it is now possible to effectively store the excess electricity generated by rooftop solar panels for use during the night. This is particularly relevant to facilities such as the BP motorway service center in Auckland, which operates continuously with solar panels and battery backup. The use of battery and supercapacitor energy storage systems ensures a reliable and sustainable power supply even when the sun goes down.

The Case Study: BP Motorway Service Center in Auckland

The BP service center at Drury, located on the Southern Motorway in Auckland, is an excellent example of successful solar panel and battery storage implementation. Open 24/7 and operational for years, this station relies entirely on solar panels for power generation and utilizes a battery backup system for power during the night. The BP service center stands as a testament to the viability of solar energy supplemented by advanced energy storage solutions.

Types of Energy Storage Solutions

There are two primary types of energy storage solutions used to store excess electricity from solar panels: Battery energy storage and Supercapacitor energy storage. Each system has unique advantages and is suitable for different applications.

Battery Energy Storage

Battery systems are widely used and tested in various settings. They work by charging the batteries during the day with excess solar-generated electricity. At night, these batteries supply power to the facility’s electrical loads as needed. This makes battery storage an excellent option for residences and small to medium-sized businesses.

Supercapacitor Energy Storage

Supercapacitors offer a different approach to energy storage. They can quickly charge and discharge, making them ideal for peak demand management. Supercapacitors can also store solar-generated electricity and provide rapid discharge during peak load times. However, they are typically more expensive and have a shorter lifespan compared to batteries.

Optimal Use of Installed Solar Power

For many homeowners, the cost of solar panel installations has significantly dropped over the years. While a 5kW to 10kW installed capacity is now common, the actual electrical load usage is often only 60% during the day. This means that the solar panels can generate more electricity than the household consumes. The excess electricity can be stored for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.

Homeowners can choose between different types of inverters to manage this excess energy. An Off-grid power inverter can store excess energy in a battery bank during the day, providing power at night. Grid-tie inverters can also be used, but these require a connection to the grid to sell excess power back. Hybrid inverters blend both off-grid and grid-tied functionalities, making them versatile for both day and night use.

Operational Principle and Further Resources

To understand more about supercapacitor energy storage devices, you can refer to the video series FMSJR Supercapacitor Design Scheme No. 8, which I have uploaded. This series provides detailed insights into the operating principles and benefits of using supercapacitors for energy storage.

For more information on solar panels and energy storage, explore additional resources such as tutorials, installations guides, and product comparisons available on the web. Ensuring you have a reliable and sustainable energy supply is crucial, and modern technology offers numerous options to achieve this goal.

Thank you for your question, and I hope this information provides you with valuable insights into the world of rooftop solar panel and energy storage solutions.