A powerful mix of solar and batteries is beating natural gas
Natural gas is getting edged out of power markets across the U.S. by two energy sources that, together, are proving to be an unbeatable mix: solar and batteries.
In just the latest example, First Solar Inc. won a power contract to supply Arizona’s biggest utility when electricity demand on its system typically peaks, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The panel maker beat out bids from even power plants burning cheap gas by proposing to build a 65-megawatt solar farm that will, in turn, feed a 50-megawatt battery system.
It’s a powerful combination for meeting peak demand because of when the sun shines. Here’s how it’ll work: The panels will generate solar power when the sun’s out to charge the batteries. The utility will draw on those batteries as the sun starts to set and demand starts to rise.
Lately, NextEra Energy Inc.’s Florida utility similarly installed a battery system that’ll back up a solar farm and boost generation. In California, regulators have called on PG&E Corp. to use batteries or other non-fossil fuel resources instead of supplies from gas-fired plants to meet peak demand.
…
Source: Bloomberg
Date: April 2018
Related Articles
Solar employs more workers than coal, oil and natural gas combined
U.S. solar employs more workers than any other energy industry, including coal, oil and natural gas combined, according to the
Amsterdam Arena switches on giant Nissan LEAF battery storage system
The largest European energy storage system using second-life and new electric vehicle (EV) batteries on a commercial building was switched
Ireland votes in favour of law to become world’s first country to fully divest from fossil fuels
Ireland has voted to be the world’s first country to fully divest public money from fossil fuels. The Irish Parliament
