Solar-Plus-Storage: The Key to a Reliable, Cost-Effective Clean Energy
Solar-plus-storage (pairing solar with a battery storage system) is an optimal solution to solar''s intermittency, because the battery storage system can store solar energy
Solar-plus-storage (pairing solar with a battery storage system) is an optimal solution to solar''s intermittency, because the battery storage system can store solar energy
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Among other benefits, it can help maintain the stability of the electric grid, shift energy from times of peak production to peak consumption, and limit spikes in energy demand. Solar-plus-storage shifts some of the solar system's output to evening and night hours and provides other grid benefits.
Solar-plus-storage shifts some of the solar system's output to evening and night hours and provides other grid benefits. NREL employs a variety of analysis approaches to understand the factors that influence solar-plus-storage deployment and how solar-plus-storage will affect energy systems.
As the global climate crisis intensifies and renewable energy technologies advance, Solar-Plus-Storage systems are emerging as a core pillar of energy transition. These systems are not just tools for households and businesses to reduce electricity costs—they are essential for grid stability, energy independence, and achieving net-zero carbon goals.
Energy storage has become an increasingly common component of utility-scale solar energy systems in the United States. Much of NREL's analysis for this market segment focuses on the grid impacts of solar-plus-storage systems, though costs and benefits are also frequently considered.