In recent years, distributed photovoltaic energy storage systems have gradually become popular worldwide. As a new type of clean energy technology, it combines solar panels with energy storage equipment to maximize the use of solar energy and alleviate the burden on the power grid. Distributed photovoltaic energy storage systems are widely used in various fields, from residential households to enterprises and institutions to public facilities. Before solving whether distributed photovoltaic energy storage must be grid connected, first understand what is distributed photovoltaic energy storage and what is grid connected?
What is distributed photovoltaic energy storage?
Distributed photovoltaic energy storage system is a flexible energy solution mainly composed of photovoltaic modules, energy storage batteries, inverters, and monitoring systems. Solar panels can convert solar energy into direct current, which is then converted into alternating current through inverters, and provide renewable energy to households or businesses when needed. At the same time, energy storage batteries can also store excess energy for power supply when needed. This system can obtain a certain amount of energy by installing solar panels on buildings or infrastructure, and store it in energy storage batteries for use at any time.
What is grid connection?
Grid connection refers to the way in which dispersed different power plants are connected together through the power grid, forming a whole. When solar panels generate solar energy, if not used, it will be directly injected into the power grid. This can reduce the burden on the power grid and provide renewable energy for other electrical equipment. In this case, the distributed photovoltaic energy storage grid connected system is considered an efficient clean energy solution.
Is distributed photovoltaic energy storage necessarily connected to the grid?
Although distributed photovoltaic energy storage is often considered a solution with grid connection capabilities, it does not necessarily have to be connected to the power grid. In fact, in certain specific situations, distributed photovoltaic energy storage can also be isolated, that is, completely detached from the power grid.
For example, in environments with high heating demand and harsh weather conditions, such as polar regions, deserts, and high-altitude areas, buildings typically require independent power supply due to power supply difficulties. In this case, solar panels can be installed in or around buildings and independently powered by energy storage batteries.
Another example is during camping or military operations in the wilderness. Distributed photovoltaic energy storage systems can provide temporary clean energy for tents and battlefields without a power grid, allowing tasks to continue.
In addition, in certain regions, energy storage systems may also become the only power supply due to incomplete power grids or incomplete power infrastructure, such as in rural areas of Africa.
Although distributed photovoltaic energy storage is usually a grid connected application, as has been seen, it can also be an isolated island power supply system in some cases. Therefore, when choosing a distributed photovoltaic energy storage solution, it is necessary to consider many factors, such as application scenarios, climate conditions, power infrastructure, etc., in order to determine a low-cost, efficient, and sustainable solution. With the continuous development of solar energy technology and the expansion of the international clean energy market, it is believed that distributed photovoltaic energy storage will have broader application prospects in the future.