Daniel Cross, Senior Director of Load Forecasting at POWWR, discusses the advancements made in solar technology that can make it more efficient than ever.
A recent study found that the sunniest place on earth is a large plain near the Andes Mountains in Chile which sees as much sun as Venus. Even on average, the solar irradiance on the plateau is around 308 watts per square metre, meaning that the solar energy potential in the region is roughly twice as high than in Europe.
However, whether someone lives in Chile or Chichester, they are likely increasingly looking to the skies as a source of power as traditional fossil fuels continue to be phased out. Whilst solar has been a viable power source since Bell Labs first produced practical photovoltaic cells in the 1950s, it has only gathered momentum as a key household power source in the past decade.
Like many other Western countries, the UK residential solar market continues to expand rapidly. The growth in solar panel ownership has been buoyed by the decreasing cost of solar installations, government grants, and increased awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy. Plus, there have been significant advancements in battery technology.
Better batteries
Battery technology improvements have been driven by advancements in materials science, manufacturing processes, and the growing demand for efficient energy storage solutions.
One of the key areas where battery technology has evolved is in energy density. Modern lithium-ion batteries have far better energy density than in the past, allowing for longer-lasting batteries in smaller, lighter packages. Then there is the emergence of solid-state batteries that use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, offering higher energy densities, improved safety, and longer lifespans.
That’s not to mention the gains that have been made in reference to their relative charging speed. Some new technologies allow batteries to reach 80% charge in as little as 15 minutes. And it shows no signs of slowing down. Current research into alternative materials and designs promises even faster charging rates in the future.
In addition to the above, modern solar batteries have a longer lifespan, are more resistant to degradation, are safer than ever before and often have in-built smart battery management systems (BMS) that can monitor battery health, optimise charging and discharging cycles, and predict potential failures.
Future grid stabilisation
Enhancements in battery technology are timely. Increasingly volatile extreme weather patterns, data centres required to power the new era of artificial intelligence, population increases in urban areas, and the popularity of electric vehicles are all putting more load on the power grid than ever before.
Batteries will play a crucial role in a future grid stabilisation. Not only are enhanced battery technologies being integrated into the grid to store energy from renewable sources to smooth out supply fluctuations. But those being used in end-user residential and commercial solar power systems allow users to store solar energy for use at night or other times when the sun is no longer reaching the panels.
Plus, such efficient battery storage has made it easier for end-users to push excess energy back to the grid at opportune times. This is helping to level off the grid and mitigate the threat of outages.
Maximising effectiveness
Whether an end-user gets 12 hours of sunlight a day or 12 minutes, maximising the effectiveness of the solar energy system is imperative.
The first key aspect of solar optimisation is to ensure that the angle and direction of the solar panels are adjusted to capture the most sunlight. Typically, panels are oriented towards the equator and tilted at an angle that maximises exposure. Using tracking systems so that the panels follow the sun’s path from east to west during the day can make them even more effective. Of course, make sure that panels are placed where they will not be shaded by trees, buildings, or other obstructions throughout the day.
Using advanced photovoltaic technology to increase the conversion rate of sunlight to electricity can also help. As can regular cleaning of the panels to remove dirt and debris that would otherwise reduce their efficiency.
Top technologies
In addition to ensuring optimal placement and physically maintaining any solar array, there are several ways that technology can also help optimise solar energy systems.
Software and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be used to monitor and track the performance of solar systems in real time. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to analyse huge data sets on weather conditions and average cloud coverage to ensure that an end-user gets the most out of their system. Also, data analytics can be used to predict and prevent potential issues before they impact system performance.
Then there is the aforementioned BMS that can store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours so it can be used during cloudy periods or at night. Or devices that convert DC electricity from solar panels to AC electricity, optimising energy flow and storage.
Another important consideration with the design of any solar array is to make sure that the energy produced by the system balances with the energy consumption patterns of the end-user. Plus, to ensure the system is flexible enough that it can be expanded upon in the future if energy needs change.
Keeping it smart
The increased proliferation of smart meters is also helping to enhance the effectiveness and management of solar power systems. By utilising the real-time data on both the energy produced and energy consumed, the user can better understand usage patterns and adjust accordingly to optimise their solar systems.
Plus, by monitoring the performance of the solar power system, any drop in expected production can be quickly identified, prompting troubleshooting to ensure the system operates efficiently.
Journey to a renewable future
Maybe the most important component to ensure effective solar optimisation, though, is the energy industry itself. Whilst Government incentives are welcome, it is important that suppliers reward customers who embark upon a journey towards a renewable future. Energy suppliers need to do all they can to encourage end-users to use their batteries effectively so that any excess energy produced can find its way back to the grid.
After all, it is a win, win. In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, the more end-users can help with energy production, the more consistent energy supply will be. This means suppliers – and in turn the end-users themselves – will not be as exposed to higher prices.
Solar power is instrumental to building a greener future for us all. Wind is far more volatile. Plus, the setup costs are far higher. Thankfully, the advancements of solar panel and battery technology, has massively enhanced the overall efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems. This has made such systems a much more viable option. This, in turn, is helping to reduce the strain on an ageing power grid, lower bills, reduce the chance of black outs and reduce the need for the industry to build additional power plants.
