Energy storage isn’t just a new technology–it’s a pathway to freedom. Unlike conventional solar panels that only work when the sun shines, solar energy storage allows you to store that captured energy and use it when you want, potentially eliminating your reliance on the grid. 

Conventionally, energy independence only applied at the national level. A country that didn’t rely on importing electricity, coal, or other fuels didn’t have to worry so much during geopolitical tensions. However, lithium technology advancements mean this independence is now available at the household and business level, in addition to its environmental sustainability benefits. 

What is Energy Independence?

Energy independence refers to a situation where you can meet your energy needs from the electricity and heat you produce at home, without relying on external sources. While you can use mains power if you want, it isn’t necessary (for most of the year). 

Solar and wind technology previously raised the possibility of households and businesses generating electricity locally. However, high-quality battery backup systems integrated with this equipment weren’t widely available or extremely expensive. Fortunately, the situation is changing, and energy storage is coming of age. Off-grid power is now an accessible reality for most householders in developed countries. 

How Energy Storage Contributes to Greater Energy Independence

Energy storage took various forms in the past:

  • Pumped hydro, which uses fossil fuel energy to pump water to a higher point before allowing it to flow back down through electricity-generating turbines
  • Thermal storage, which uses heat to store energy (usually inefficiently)
  • Flywheels, which store kinetic energy for use later

However, these solutions are usually impractical at the household and business level. That’s where new battery technology enters the picture. The technology pairs perfectly with solar panels for enhanced energy independence and solves the issue to firm power dilemma. 

Here are some of the ways energy storage leads to energy independence: 

1. Reduces grid reliance

First, energy storage reduces reliance on the grid. Households no longer depend on giant systems with thousands of parts to get energy to power their appliances and equipment. Modern batteries can provide sufficient current and voltage for everything in the home, from TVs to AC units and pumps. 

This reduction in grid reliance is most appreciated during blackouts and brownouts. Properties with energy storage and backup power can continue functioning as normal while everyone else searches for candles and torches. 

2. Storing renewable energy

Second, energy storage (as lithium-iron battery packs) caches renewable energy that would otherwise go to waste or sold to the utility company for pennies on a dollar. Traditionally, homes with solar panels sold to the grid during the day when usage was minimal and bought back from the grid in the evenings to boil the kettle and cook dinner.

However, battery storage allows them to charge the battery during the day (when solar intensity peaks) and then discharge at night for household tasks without relying on the grid. This approach reduces blackout risks further, boosting resilience. 

 

3. Community support

 

Finally, solar panel owners can potentially buffer a nation’s electricity grid against outages by providing mains power in local areas when needed, reducing reliance on fossil fuel plants and imported energy. Imagine discharging 100s of locally deployed battery units to help your local utility get through peak demands and avoid brownouts.

Countries like Denmark and parts of US already use systems like these (often called virtual power plants or VPP), so it is only a matter of time before they spread more broadly. 

Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence

Another part of this story is the role of cutting fossil fuels to achieve energy independence. Battery power can store solar and wind energy during peak energy hours, dark, and windless periods, leading to the possibility of new forms of power grids. 

One promising avenue is the replacement of peaking plants. Currently, energy grids require these to meet power demands in the morning and evenings (when renewable energy systems stop generating electricity). Enough batteries could buffer against the need to build and maintain these by offering sufficient storage to see civilization through the night or when the wind doesn’t blow. 

Furthermore, batteries could enable greater penetration of renewable energy production. Currently, the system is limited by the fact that these solutions don’t work continuously (unlike a conventional fossil fuel or nuclear power plant). However, batteries deployed in mass solve this problem. Examples include the Hornsdale Power Reserve installation in Australia and the Blackhillock site in Scotland.

Now You Understand The Role Of Energy Storage For Energy Independence

Ultimately, energy storage offers advantages on an individual and national level. For households and businesses, it lowers bills by enabling them to avoid peak rates, and for nations, like the U.S., it shields against power outages, cyber attacks, and fluctuating energy prices. 

Furthermore, technology is advancing. Eventually, better and cheaper battery technologies will allow more people to manage their personal energy affairs without relying on a tax or government-funded grid.