The World Starts to Light Up with Battery Power
Date: Sept. 21, 2016
Lots has been happening in the world of batteries since July, when Tesla opened its $5 billion Gigafactory in the Nevada desert. Battery production is ramping up there in two distinct product areas: batteries for use in Tesla automobiles and sleek-looking new Powerwall batteries for use in buildings. According to Tesla, each Powerwall battery can store up to 6.4 kilowatts, enough to provide overnight power to most homes.
Tesla joins Panasonic in creating the LJ-SK84A for home use. According to Panasonic, the LJ-SK84A can power a home for four hours or more.
Domestic Batteries: A Quick Overview
Batteries first found their way into homes in solar systems, where they stored power produced by panels. From there, it only seemed logical to use batteries to store utility-sourced power too.
Today, domestic battery systems have become more sophisticated. They can charge up during non-peak hours of the day, then power homes overnight. Plus, batteries are now being touted as sources of electricity during power outages.
And Now, a Battery-Powered Mall
“This Southern Mall Just Started Using Tesla Batteries,” an article by Katie Fehrenbacher in the Sept. 2016 Forbes, reports that the Brea Mall in Brea, CA, has just installed large outdoor batteries supplied by Tesla. (According to the article, the batteries contained in each Tesla battery unit are actually made by Panasonic.)
The Brea installation will charge up from the power grid during overnight hours when electricity rates are lower, then help power the mall during daytime hours when rates are higher. The power packs are projected to save thousands of dollars each year in utility costs.
To Learn More about the Domestic Battery Market
Navigant Research’s new report, “Residential Energy Storage Systems,” summarizes current activities in the development of batteries for domestic applications. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
Stay on the Cutting Edge . . .
If you’d like to learn more about the growing market for storage batteries, don’t miss our upcoming Microgrids Convergence Conference. Now in its ninth year, this Summit will explore the intersection between microgrids, smart cities and advanced transportation.