Do storage technologies add value to solar and wind energy?

Some storage technologies today are shown to add value to solar and wind energy, but cost reduction is needed to reach widespread profitability.

Does more solar and wind mean more storage value?

“Our results show that is true, and that all else equal, more solar and wind means greater storage value. That said, as wind and solar get cheaper over time, that can reduce the value storage derives from lowering renewable energy curtailment and avoiding wind and solar capacity investments.

Does storage increase the value of a solar or wind plant?

Storage can increase the revenue generated by a solar or wind plant, but it also increases the capital costs of the plant. Here we optimize both the discharging behaviour, as done above, and the storage system size, to maximize the value of the electricity generation.

What is the net value of energy storage?

Net value of energy storage ($/kW-year) as a function of storage penetration (as % of peak demand) and duration, VRE penetration for the North and South systems. Net value defined as storage system value minus the annualized capital cost, with latter calculated using 15 year lifetime and 8.1% discount rate.

How does energy storage affect the selling price of solar energy?

The average selling price without storage is lower for wind than solar, but as the energy storage increases in size (per unit rated power of solar or wind generation), the pricing distribution and mean selling price become increasingly similar across the two energy resources (Supplementary Figs 6–8).

How much does a wind or solar generation cost?

Results are shown for a wind or solar generation cost of US$1 W −1 and and of US$50 kW −1 and US$50 kWh −1, respectively.