Insights in storage as a solution for local renewable electricity generation

Classically, electricity storage for PV panels is mostly designed for stand-alone applications. In contrast, the focus of this article is on dwellings with local generation connected to the grid that can install a small-scale storage. This is a new development that starts to be promoted in Europe. Although postponed consumption within the day or the next days is a straight forward motivation, also other possibilities are enabled like omitting over-voltage of the line and bridging periods of power-line black-out. The paper gives insight in the simultaneity of generation and demand profiles if PV panels are used. It gives an overview of the lessons from studies on the topic of grid-connected storage. A study shows that grid-connected storage can already be profitable in some years. The article ends about how such systems can be used in reality. The paper is based on work executed at VITO in the framework of Intelligent storage for PV energy and on a literature survey.