Contribution of Solar and Wind to Peak Shaving
Integration with Energy Storage Systems
- Solar Energy: Solar panels can generate electricity during the day, which can be stored in battery energy storage systems (BESS). This stored energy can then be used during peak evening hours, reducing the reliance on the grid and thereby shaving the peak demand.
- Wind Energy: Similar to solar, excess energy generated from wind turbines can be stored and used during peak periods, although this is more variable due to the intermittent nature of wind.
Reducing Peak Demand Charges
- Renewable energy sources can help reduce peak demand charges by providing power during periods when demand is high. By utilizing stored energy from these sources during peak hours, businesses can avoid high demand charges typically applied to commercial and industrial consumers.
Optimizing Grid Usage
- Renewable Integration: Peak shaving is crucial when integrating renewable energy into the grid. Since renewables like solar and wind are intermittent, energy storage systems help maintain a stable supply during both peak and off-peak periods, optimizing grid usage.
Increasing Grid Stability
- Renewable energy, combined with energy storage, helps stabilize the grid by offsetting the variable nature of these sources. This stability is critical as it supports grid operators in managing demand more efficiently, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Economic Benefits
- By leveraging renewable energy for peak shaving, businesses can significantly reduce their electricity costs. Lower peak demand means lower demand charges, which are often a substantial part of commercial and industrial energy bills.
In summary, renewable energy sources like solar and wind contribute to peak shaving by allowing for the storage of excess energy generated during off-peak periods, which can then be used to reduce demand from the grid during peak hours, thereby stabilizing the grid and lowering energy costs for consumers.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-renewable-energy-sources-like-solar-and-wind-contribute-to-peak-shaving/
