BESS for solar power

Globally, solar power is the most dependable renewable energy source, with photovoltaic energy generation poised to be the leading technology in the continuous pursuit of climate neutrality. Nevertheless, solar energy exhibits volatility and necessitates a consistent “co-partner” to reach and exceed the parameters of traditional fossil fuels. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are ideally suited to assist in accomplishing this objective.

What is BESS?

The battery energy storage system comprises advanced rechargeable batteries integrated with state-of-the-art technology and software, offering a comprehensive solution for the storage and utilization of energy derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro as well as from the electrical grid.

From the consumer standpoint, especially those functioning from a grid, this solution presents significant advantages. It ensures energy stability, fosters energy independence, reduces energy costs, and promotes sustainability for commercial properties and high-energy-use facilities, residential areas equipped with solar arrays, and agricultural installations.

BESS plays a pivotal role, delivering benefits to energy producers and the overall energy system, particularly as the share of renewable energy in the energy mix grows and infrastructure becomes more decentralized. Integration of battery energy storage systems facilitates more efficient utilization of generated renewable energy, enhances power supply stability, and ensures a better equilibrium between energy demand and consumption.

What are the components of BESS?

The battery storage system is comprised of lithium-ion batteries configured in series and/or parallel, a unit with thermal regulation, a battery management system (BMS), a power conversion system (PCS), and an energy management system (EMS):

• The BMS is responsible for supervising the battery’s state of charge (SOC), temperature, overall health, voltage, output, and providing fire warnings. Furthermore, it regulates the power for charging and discharging in line with the input signal.
• The power conversion system, also known as the bi-directional inverter, handles the conversion between AC and DC. Multiple clusters within the battery system are connected to a common DC bus, while an additional DC bus is linked to the power conversion system.
• The EMS acts as the bridge between grid demand and the battery management system. It monitors the grid’s energy requirements and how this needed energy can be transferred from the BESS using control logic. The EMS then sends an input signal to either charge or discharge the battery based on the control logic requirement and the battery system’s state of charge.

How does BESS optimize solar energy?

When paired with photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, Battery Energy Storage Systems serve the vital function of storing excess energy generated during peak production periods, such as in the midday. This stored energy can be utilized during periods of low energy production, ensuring that all solar energy is effectively utilized.

The installation of a BESS empowers consumers to leverage their stored solar energy to offset high electricity prices during peak demand periods, thereby enhancing cost efficiency. Without such a storage system, surplus solar energy would either go to waste or be sold to the power grid at a lower rate. BESS benefits power producers by enabling cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy production while optimizing energy prices.

Although Energy Storage Systems such as pumped-storage hydroelectricity, compressed air power storage, flywheel energy storage, thermal energy storage, and mechanical gravity storage have been in use for some time, commercially viable BESS have only recently emerged as a result of the reduced cost of lithium-ion batteries and increased availability of spent EV batteries.

Solar energy and BESS

To achieve sustainability and ensure the longevity of our planet, we must prioritize the optimization of renewable energy production. The energy demand continues to surge at an unprecedented rate, compelling us to commit to the green transition.

Battery energy storage systems play a pivotal role in this context, and when combined with solar power, these technologies represent an incredibly potent combination that holds immense potential for all of us to harness and derive substantial benefits from. Avenston offers a full range of services for the implementation of battery energy storage systems for solar power plants and other renewable energy facilities, industry and the commercial sector.