Solar Plus Storage Coming On

Suddenly, Solar Energy Plus Storage Is Giving Conventional Fuels A Run For Their Money; The increasingly competitive dynamic duo of solar photovoltaic plus battery storage is taking energy markets by storm

Daniel Rothberg, May 29, 2018 (ENSIA)

“…For years, renewable energy advocates have pushed utilities and regulators to consider adding battery storage to their electrical generation portfolios for flexibility…Until recently, it wasn’t considered a realistic option: Batteries were expensive and largely untested by utilities, and risk-averse regulators mostly let grid managers ignore them in their bids, statements and long-term planning documents…Analysts say that’s starting to change as batteries come down in price, as momentum builds behind renewables and as renewables create a natural market for storage. Utilities are increasingly looking at batteries as a tool for leveling out [the so-called “duck curve” created by high daytime solar supplies that drop off at sunset, requiring] bulky and expensive peaking power plants that have high costs but only occasionally run at or near full capacity to meet peak demand…[A preliminary analysis from Xcel Energy on 2017 project proposals showed that the median bids for battery storage projects coupled with solar and wind generation came in at about US$36 and US$21 per megawatt-hour…[That] shows, analysts say, is that utilities can use batteries without adding huge costs to renewable projects…” click here for more

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