Solar and wind differ from traditional fossil generation plants in many exciting ways, especially when we consider the cost savings and environmental benefits associated with renewables. What we often overlook, though, is the power production pattern of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources compared to traditional thermal generators. Thermal producers can assess high load demand times and produce energy efficiently, based on consumption trends. Solar and wind on the other hand produce power when environmental conditions permit, regardless of electrical demand. Luckily, net metering agreements allow the indiscriminate production of power to benefit consumers. While this is a great incentive for the adoption of solar, we do need to be prepared for increased VRE penetration and what that may mean for grid stability.

As VRE penetration surpasses 30% of annual electricity demand, we will need to either curtail production from variable sources (like solar and wind) or integrate large-scale storage for demand response use cases. Curtailing VRE production is not a favorable option as it would negatively affect the affordability of renewable investment. Therefore, energy storage is the way forward. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) provide the means to align VRE production with the grid’s electrical demand schedule. By investing in storage, homeowners, businesses, and utilities can efficiently deploy renewable energy production during high demand/low production hours with no impact on the electrical grid.

Take a look at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to learn more.