Energy storage for a renewable and flexible energy system
At Solarig, we drive energy storage solutions that enable greater renewable energy integration, provide flexibility to the grid and optimise electricity management in increasingly decentralised and decarbonised energy systems.
What is energy storage?
Energy storage encompasses technologies that enable energy to be stored for use at a later time. In the electricity sector, its primary function is to store electricity when generation exceeds demand or when renewable energy is more readily available, and release it when the system needs additional energy, stability or flexibility.
This capability is particularly important in an energy system with a growing share of renewable sources such as solar PV and wind, whose output depends on weather conditions. Energy storage enables energy to be managed more efficiently, reducing imbalances between generation and consumption.
Energy storage enables energy to be stored when it is available and used when the electricity system needs it
How does an energy storage system work?
An energy storage system acts as a bridge between electricity generation and consumption. When there is greater energy availability, for example during periods of high renewable generation or lower demand, the system charges. The stored energy can then be released in a controlled manner when the grid, consumer or energy asset needs it.
In the case of battery energy storage systems, the process combines electrical equipment, power conversion systems, control and monitoring software to determine when to store energy, when to discharge it and how to optimise its use.
Energy input
Electricity comes from a renewable energy plant, the grid or a hybrid installation.
Conversion and charging
Power conversion systems adapt the electricity to charge the batteries safely.
Energy storage
Energy is temporarily stored in battery modules until the system needs it.
Smart management
The control system monitors the asset and optimises charging and discharging periods.
Discharge and use
Electricity is supplied to the grid, a consumer or an energy asset when needed.
BESS: Battery Energy Storage Systems
There are different energy storage technologies, including pumped hydro storage, thermal storage, renewable hydrogen and mechanical systems. In the electricity sector, one of the most significant solutions is BESS, which stands for Battery Energy Storage System.
A BESS is a battery-based energy storage system that stores electricity and releases it in a controlled manner when the system needs it. It can be installed alongside solar or wind farms, connected directly to the grid or integrated into hybrid projects.
Its modularity, rapid response and controllability make it a key technology for integrating more renewable energy, managing generation variability and improving the flexibility of the electricity system.
The value of a BESS lies not only in storing energy, but in making it available when it delivers the greatest value
Renewable energy integration
Helps manage the variability of solar and wind generation, enabling greater renewable energy penetration in the system.
Grid flexibility
Enables a rapid response to the needs of the electricity system, providing stability, balance and flexibility.
Energy optimisation
Makes it possible to store energy when availability is higher and use it when it provides greater technical or operational value.
Hybrid projects
Can be integrated with renewable energy assets to improve technical management, strengthen operations and expand their capabilities.
Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Integration
The energy transition is increasing the share of renewable technologies such as solar PV and wind. These sources enable clean, competitive and locally generated electricity, but their output varies depending on solar irradiation, wind conditions and the state of the electricity system.
Energy storage helps manage this variability. It enables energy to be stored during periods of high renewable generation and used when demand increases, renewable output falls or the grid requires greater flexibility.
Energy storage means that renewable energy is not only dependent on when it is generated, but also on when the system needs it.
Greater renewable energy integration
Enables better use of available solar and wind energy.
Grid flexibility
Helps balance generation and demand at different times of the day.
Reduced renewable energy curtailment
Enables some of the energy that cannot be fed into the grid at certain times to be stored.
Greater security and stability
Contributes to a more reliable and flexible operation of the electricity system.
FAQs about Energy Storage
We answer the most common questions about energy storage, BESS and their role in renewable energy integration, grid flexibility and the transition towards a more manageable electricity system.
What is energy storage? +
Energy storage encompasses technologies that enable energy to be stored for use at a later time. In the electricity system, it allows electricity to be stored when generation is more readily available and released when the grid, consumer or energy asset needs it.
What is energy storage used for? +
Energy storage enables electricity to be managed more effectively, balancing generation and demand, providing flexibility to the grid and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind.
What is a BESS? +
A BESS, or Battery Energy Storage System, is a battery-based energy storage solution. It enables electricity to be stored and released in a controlled manner when the electricity system requires energy, stability or flexibility.
How does battery energy storage work? +
A battery energy storage system charges when electricity is available, for example during periods of high renewable generation or lower demand. Control and power conversion systems then enable the stored energy to be released when it provides greater value to the electricity system, grid or energy asset.
Why is energy storage important for renewable energy? +
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind depend on natural conditions, meaning their output can vary. Energy storage helps manage this variability by storing energy during periods of high renewable generation and using it when demand increases or the grid requires greater flexibility.
What is the difference between standalone and hybrid energy storage? +
Standalone energy storage is an independent storage system connected directly to the electricity grid. Hybrid energy storage, by contrast, is integrated with a renewable energy plant, such as a solar or wind installation, to improve the management of the energy generated by the asset.
What does a BESS provide to the electricity system? +
A BESS can provide flexibility, firm capacity and services to the electricity system. Its rapid response capabilities help balance generation and demand, improve grid stability and optimise the use of available renewable energy.
How does energy storage complement solar PV? +
Energy storage enables electricity generated by a solar PV plant to be managed more effectively. It can store energy during periods of high solar generation and release it when generation falls, demand increases or the electricity system requires greater flexibility.
What is Solarig's role in energy storage? +
Solarig develops battery energy storage solutions (BESS) for standalone and hybrid projects, designed to provide flexibility, firm capacity and services to the electricity system. These solutions complement renewable generation and contribute to the development of more manageable assets equipped to meet the needs of the grid.
Manage renewable energy more effectively
BESS solutions to optimise energy use and strengthen the integration of renewable energy assets
