The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with energy storage units has become an effective solution for efficiently utilizing clean energy. This combination is gaining popularity across many countries, providing a reliable energy source and ensuring energy independence, and save your energy bills.
Combines grid-tied and off-grid functionality. During sunlight hours, solar power is used to supply electricity to loads and charge the battery. At night or during power outages, the battery supplies power. Components: Solar panels, hybrid inverter (on/off-grid), battery, and load.
Hybrid On/Off-Grid Energy Storage System
Enhances solar self-consumption. If solar production is lower than the load demand, both solar and grid power are used. If solar output exceeds load consumption, the excess energy is stored in batteries. Components: Solar panels, charge controller, battery, grid-tied inverter, current detection device, and load.
Grid-Tied Energy Storage System
Converts locally generated renewable energy into electricity and supplies it directly to local loads. Components: Distributed power sources (solar, wind, etc.), loads, energy storage systems, and control devices.
Hybrid Microgrid System
Choosing the right energy storage system can drastically reduce electricity bills and increase energy independence. Whether you‘re looking for a cost-effective solution to manage peak electricity prices or aiming for complete off-grid autonomy, the following examples are for your reference.
Electricity providers charge higher rates during peak demand periods (late afternoon to early evening). These rates can be 2-3 times higher than off-peak hours. For example:
If a household consumes 500 kWh monthly, where half of the usage falls during peak hours, the bill could be $120–$150 due to high rates.
Scenario | Usage During Peak Hours | Rate per kWh | Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Without Storage | 250 kWh | $0.30 | $75 |
With Storage | 0 kWh (from solar) | $0.30 | $0 |
Tiered pricing means the more electricity you use, the higher the rate per kWh. For example:
By using solar panels and storage, grid consumption can be minimized, keeping the majority of energy use within lower pricing tiers.
Scenario | Consumption | Rate Tier | Monthly Bill |
---|---|---|---|
Without Solar | 600 kWh | $0.12 (200 kWh) + $0.20 (400 kWh) | $104 |
With Solar | 200 kWh | $0.12 (all solar) | $24 |
Electricity usage spikes during summer and winter for cooling and heating, often doubling or tripling bills. With MOTOMA solar storage systems, households can store energy during longer summer days and use it at night or during winter, flattening seasonal price surges.
Monthly Savings with Solar Storage
Month | Without Solar Storage ($) | With Solar Storage ($) | Savings ($) |
---|---|---|---|
January | 180 | 130 | 50 |
March | 140 | 110 | 30 |
June | 240 | 180 | 60 |
August | 250 | 190 | 60 |
November | 200 | 150 | 50 |
Let‘s calculate the return on investment (ROI).
A household installs a 6 kWh solar-plus-storage system costing $12,000. Annual savings are $1,500, thanks to reduced electricity bills from peak-hour and tiered-rate savings.
A business installs a 100 kWh system costing $140,000, saving $20,000 annually due to lower peak-hour charges and reduced tiered-rate costs.
By using energy storage to take advantage of lower off-peak rates, users can significantly cut electricity costs.
PV + energy storage systems are becoming a key solution to optimize self-sufficiency, reliability, and cost savings for residential electricity use. With rising electricity demand, peak-time charges, and increased reliance on electric devices, more households are expected to turn to these systems as a way to control their energy expenses and improve sustainability.