Primer on Solar Energy

What about when the sun isn't shining? How can solar energy be stored?

Electric power transmission lines make up part of the electrical grid.

Sunlight is an intermittent source, that is, the sun is not shining all the time in a given location. Conversely, sometimes more energy is collected by a solar energy system than is needed at that time. For both reasons, it is important to consider coupling solar energy devices to energy storage technologies. One such technology is the electrical grid itself, where electricity can be routed from the point of generation to the point of use. This approach by itself will only work when solar energy is a small contributor to the overall energy supply. As solar (and other intermittent sources such as wind) begin to assume a larger role in the global energy supply, we will need additional storage technologies. Researchers are investigating many options, but at Argonne we have focused our attention primarily on electrical energy storage (batteries) and chemical fuels.

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