Why Solar Energy Needs Battery Storage to Power the Future

This mismatch between supply and demand is known as intermittency, and it’s one of the biggest limitations of solar energy.

The Intermittency Problem

Solar panels generate electricity only when the sun is shining. This means energy production peaks during the day—especially around noon—but drops to zero at night. However, electricity demand doesn’t follow the same pattern. In fact, many regions see peak electricity usage in the early morning or evening, when solar power generation is minimal or non-existent.

According to a Solar Energy and Battery Storage Market  report, the industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

This mismatch between supply and demand is known as intermittency, and it’s one of the biggest limitations of solar energy. Without a solution, we risk overproducing electricity during sunny periods and suffering shortages when the sun isn’t available.

Enter Battery Storage

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) store excess electricity generated during the day and release it when needed—such as during cloudy weather or at night. This transforms solar from an intermittent resource into a stable and dispatchable energy source.

Here’s how battery storage solves the challenges of solar power:

• Time-shifting energy use: Batteries store surplus energy produced during low-demand hours and make it available during peak demand times.

• Grid stability: Energy storage helps maintain consistent voltage and frequency on the grid, making it easier to integrate large amounts of solar power.

• Backup power: In the event of a grid outage, batteries can provide critical backup electricity, increasing resilience.

• Maximizing self-consumption: For homes and businesses with rooftop solar, batteries help minimize reliance on grid electricity and reduce energy bills.

Enabling a Renewable Future

To reach global climate goals, renewables like solar must become the backbone of our energy systems. But without large-scale storage, these sources alone can’t meet the 24/7 demand of modern economies. Battery storage is the bridge that allows variable solar energy to become a reliable, around-the-clock power source.

Moreover, battery storage is critical for replacing fossil-fuel-based peaker plants—facilities that operate during times of high demand. Replacing them with clean energy and battery systems not only reduces emissions but also lowers energy costs over time.

Technological and Economic Progress

Fortunately, advances in battery technology—especially lithium-ion batteries—have made storage systems more efficient and affordable. Prices for battery storage have fallen by more than 80% in the past decade, and new innovations, such as solid-state batteries and flow batteries, are on the horizon.

Governments and utilities around the world are also investing in grid-scale storage projects. In California, for example, some of the world’s largest battery storage facilities are now operational and play a pivotal role in managing the state’s high solar output.