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Solar power systems can provide users with significant cost savings and increased independence on their own. But when you learn how to utilize peak shaving with your solar power system, you can cut down on your energy costs even more. What is peak shaving, what are its benefits, and how can you get started with it? Keep reading to find out.
Peak shaving is a strategy solar users can take advantage to reduce their grid usage during “peak” hours, when energy from the grid is more expensive. It involves using solar power and solar battery storage to reduce reliance on the grid. Solar energy can be stored in batteries throughout the day and utilized in the home during those peak hours, helping to reduce, or “shave,” peak usage from the grid.
For example, a house with solar batteries can charge the battery bank during a sunny period, then use that stored power in the evening, when demand and costs are at their highest, but solar is unavailable. This cuts down on your daily power usage even more than simply having a solar power system does.
The greatest benefit of peak shaving is the significant savings you’ll see on electricity bills by reducing those peak demand charges. Using stored solar power means you avoid paying premium prices, lowering your monthly energy costs. That reduced grid usage also comes with a certain sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ve become more independent in your energy generation and consumption. By relying less on the grid (particularly during peak times) you are less vulnerable to energy price spikes and potential grid outages.
And, of course, using stored solar energy during peak demand hours reduces the need for your local power plant to ramp up production—a process that usually involves using non-renewable resources. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Obviously, the first thing you’ll need to start peak shaving is a solar power system. Assuming you already have that, you’ll need to add a battery bank to your system. This means having a hybrid power system that allows for a backup connection, as well as the necessary batteries to build your backup bank. Finally, you’ll need to ensure your solar power system has a built-in energy management system, or EMS. An EMS helps monitor your energy use and schedule when stored energy should be used. The EMS will intelligently switch between power sources for you, making peak shaving absolutely effortless for you once it’s properly programmed.
If you’re interested in starting peak shaving, the Pylontech Force is a good choice for building your battery bank and can provide a solid foundation on which to build your energy independence.
