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).

Can energy storage improve solar and wind power?

With the falling costs of solar PV and wind power technologies, the focus is increasingly moving to the next stage of the energy transition and an energy systems approach, where energy storage can help integrate higher shares of solar and wind power.

How do storage technologies affect energy costs?

These technologies have widely varying power and energy costs. Some storage technologies have more expensive power-related component costs (for example, pumped hydro power generation equipment) and cheaper energy-related costs (for example, pumped hydro natural reservoirs), and vice versa 18.

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.

What would happen if there were no energy storage?

Without energy storage, the costs of the energy transition would be higher. Countries would need to “overbuild” wind and solar plants or look at other ways of integrating renewable energy, such as by managing demand — asking consumers to use less electricity because the wind is not blowing, for example — or importing electricity from abroad.