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PV grid and batteries

  • 30-12-2011 11:33pm
    #1
    pdmac
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭


    is it possible to have a grid connected system and batteries. for example electricity not used goes into batteries and when they are full go into the grid .. and then when you need electricity works off the batteries and then when they are empty the grid kicks in?


Comments

  • #2
    eth0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,635 ✭✭✭eth0


    its possible alright but not economical. using batteries would wear them down and not something you'd want to do if you had a grid connection. you'd be better off using batteries just for backup when the mains goes and nothing else


  • #3
    pdmac
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭pdmac


    cheers for that


  • #4
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    There is a slight silver lining here though in that batteries can be charged off-peak using cheap electricity at night if the weather forecast indicates poor weather. Smart meters may make systems like this stack - exporting power when wholesale prices are high, and importing at night, all supplemented by PV when weather permits.

    But yes - electricity from PVs is more expensive than electricity from the grid, and unless oil prices rise dramatically again, then having the grid will be the cheapest source.


  • #5
    eth0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,635 ✭✭✭eth0


    Grid parity is just around the corner. Or so we'd be led on to believe

    Thing is if you're off the grid completely you save a bit on standing charges and can get by with a cheaper inverter

    Until we get much better supercapacitors or flywheel energy storage i cant see buying from the grid and selling back being economical. Even if your batteries are free a lot of energy is wasted trying to charge them


  • #6
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    I may be wrong, but energy would need to increase in price dramatically before solar PV would see grid parity in Ireland, but mega-wind has reached it already if you can get over the fact that it doesn't supply exactly when you need it.

    Demand side management is needed with renewables so we use more electricity when it is plentiful. A few years ago, the off-peak wholesale price often dipped to 2.5c, and the peak wholesale price was 25c. Regardless of the efficiency of batteries, if you could buy for 2.5c and sell for 25c, it would stack. I haven't looked at the figures lately, but I think the peaks and troughs are a bit less severe nowadays.


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