Affordable Battery Prices Propel Solar Power to Around-the-Clock Viability

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A recent report from the global energy think tank Ember reveals that battery prices have dropped to a level where solar power can now provide affordable electricity nearly every hour of the year in the sunniest regions of the world. The study analyzed hourly solar data from 12 cities and found that in places like Las Vegas, it is possible to pair 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels with 17 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries to achieve a consistent output of 1 GW of power almost 24/7. The cost for this setup is just $104 per megawatt-hour (MWh), based on average global prices for solar and battery technologies in 2024. This represents a 22% decrease in costs over the past year, making it cheaper than new coal ($118/MWh) and nuclear ($182/MWh) energy in many areas.

Ember describes this as “24/365 solar generation,” emphasizing that it is not merely a theoretical concept. Cities like Muscat, Oman, and Las Vegas can achieve this reliable power output for up to 99% of the hours in a year. Other cities such as Hyderabad, Madrid, and Buenos Aires can reach between 80-95% of this capacity with the same solar-plus-storage configuration, even accounting for some cloud cover. Even in cloudier cities like Birmingham, UK, approximately 62% of hours annually can be covered.

“This is a turning point in the clean energy transition,” stated Kostantsa Rangelova, a global electricity analyst at Ember. “Around-the-clock solar is no longer a distant dream; it has become an economic reality. This advancement opens up transformative opportunities for energy-intensive industries like data centers and manufacturing.”

This development presents significant opportunities for sunny regions in Africa and Latin America. Manufacturers and data centers can leverage solar-plus-storage solutions to bypass lengthy wait times and high costs associated with new grid connections. While it may not provide a comprehensive solution for grid reliability, it enables solar energy to shoulder a much larger share of the energy load, particularly in areas with abundant sunshine. Additionally, batteries can facilitate the integration of up to five times more solar power into existing grid connections, helping to avoid expensive grid expansions.

In 2024, global battery prices fell by 40%, contributing to a 22% reduction in solar-plus-storage costs. Record-low tenders from countries like Saudi Arabia suggest that even more affordable options are on the horizon.

Real-world implementations are already underway: the UAE has constructed the world’s first gigawatt-scale, 24-hour solar facility, while Arizona hosts solar-powered data centers. As battery technology continues to evolve, round-the-clock solar power could become a cornerstone of clean energy systems in the sunniest regions worldwide.

To reduce power outages and enhance your home’s resilience, consider installing a solar energy system with battery storage. To find a reliable solar installer near you offering competitive pricing, visit EnergySage, a free service that connects you with pre-vetted solar installers. This ensures you receive high-quality solutions while saving 20-30% compared to going it alone. The service is free to use, and you won’t receive sales calls until you’ve selected an installer and shared your contact information. You can easily compare personalized solar quotes online and have access to unbiased Energy Advisers to assist you throughout the process.
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