How To Use Excess Solar Energy?- A Detailed Guide

Solar panels are in demand due to diminishing fuels and other non-renewable energy sources.

However, solar energy is a primitive, never-ending, most reliable renewable source.

While this solar energy can be utilized by photovoltaic cells to generate electricity, sometimes a surplus of solar energy is produced.

The real challenge is to use this solar energy without wasting it. But the question arises–how to use excess solar energy for maximum benefit?

The amount of solar energy produced depends on several factors, such as climate, sunlight exposure, solar panels’ efficiency, and the solar system’s size.

In cases where an excess of solar energy is produced, it is best to utilize it to avoid wastage. We take a look at how this excess solar energy can be used.

How To Use Excess Solar Energy?

Using solar energy to generate electricity has been around for quite some time.

When installing solar systems, home and business owners may opt for those panels which produce a higher amount of power than the power they consume.

In case of excess energy, they can sell extra solar power to the grid, shift the load, or even store it for future usage.

Below are some solutions provided for how to use excess solar energy.

Ways To Use Excess Solar Energy:

During those times when the sun is shining brightly, photovoltaic cells produce more energy than is needed.

However, several ways exist to utilize this excess energy without wasting it. Let’s look at some of these ways:

Injecting Excess Energy To The Grid:

The best way to manage extra solar energy is by injecting this excess energy into the grid.

When this photovoltaic production is higher than the consumption of the load, the excess power will automatically go to the grid.

Under this system, the installed meter starts to run in reverse upon providing excess energy to the grid.

When the production stops or excess energy is no longer produced, the consumer starts drawing electricity from the grid system.

Net-metering is a technique whereby consumers get credit for providing excess solar energy to the grid.

This is especially beneficial if the consumer is looking to build credits by making good use of excess solar power.

In addition, connecting to the grid reduces electricity bills due to the credit.

However, despite the simplicity of this solution, it is not profitable since the injected electricity is usually bought at a lower rate than the wholesale price and, in most cases, goes unpaid as well.

Storing Excess Photovoltaic Energy:

Another way a consumer can use excess solar energy is by storing it in solar batteries for later use.

Solar batteries work for both grid-tied and off-grid businesses and homes.

In grid-tied battery backups, a person can use hybrid backup batteries to operate appliances at night and use it during power outages.

This hybrid system uses an inverter to send power to the grid and the backup battery. In turn, the backup battery keeps the homes charged during power outages and at night.

In the case of an off-grid solar panel system, a backup battery will be required to keep the home powered up at night during cloudy days.

However, the off-grid solar panel system needs more extensive battery storage than grid-tied systems, as they cannot turn to the grid for support. Please click here and see how solar panel work.

Shifting Energy Consumption To Hours Of Excess Energy Production:

Hotels and residential areas consume a lot of energy during morning and evening hours when solar radiation is low.

During these times, energy production does not meet the energy consumption.

The ideal solution, therefore, would be to shift energy consumption to hours when production is high, and the sun is shining brightly.

Electric consumption occurs during the day for schools, malls, and other buildings.

Likewise, their energy consumption during the day reduces on weekends and holidays.

Load management is an ideal solution, whereby some loads can be shafted during periods when the energy production is high.

Managing the load is cost-effective and profitable and ensures a quick payback.

A consumer can store it in storage batteries or connect it to the grid if load management is not completely effective in absorbing excess solar energy.

Installing An Electric Vehicle Charging Station:

An interesting way to use excess solar energy is by installing EV charging stations.

EV vehicles now charge with solar energy, which is not for the environment and reduces monthly gas expenses.

So, if you have an EV, excess solar energy production would be ideal for you to charge it.

Why Is Storage Of Excess Solar Energy Beneficial?

Helps To Balance Electricity Loads:

Without storage, electricity must be produced and consumed simultaneously, leading grid operators to curtail generation to avoid over-generation.

On the other hand, the power demand may be high and the production low during sunset and on cloudy days.

When this energy is stored, it can be used by grid operators whenever the power demand is high or when they need it the most.

Provides A Backup Power Source:

Backup power can easily be provided when solar energy is stored for later use.

This backup power ensures that essential services, such as communications, microgrids, and small energy units, continue to operate without disruption.

Conclusion:

Video Help:

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