Summer unleashes the full potential of residential solar energy In Spain, becoming the season when the most electricity is produced from the sun. However, it is also the time when households are most at risk of wasting much of that energy if they do not have adequate storage systems or smart consumption strategies. Without batteries, up to 55% of the energy generated can be lost, since the surplus is fed into the grid with a financial compensation much lower than the cost of acquiring electricity later.
Although the implementation of solar panels is growing year after year, the difference between having a battery or not is significant: Households without storage systems directly utilize only about 45% of the generated energy, while the remainder is automatically exported to the grid at considerably low prices. This situation impacts the profitability of the facilities and delays the amortization of the initial investment.
Why battery storage makes a difference
Incorporating a battery allows homes use up to 75% of the solar production generated In the summer, storing electricity during the day and using it in the evening and at night, when domestic demand is usually highest and solar production decreases. This significantly reduces the amount of energy that needs to be purchased from the grid, which can lead to a significant increase in electricity consumption. Savings of more than €100 during the summer months and up to a 55% improvement in seasonal value retention compared to battery-free systems.
In practical terms, the difference in financial compensation This is relevant: while the average price paid for surplus solar energy on the grid ranges between €0,02 and €0,10 per kWh, the cost of electricity supplied by the grid can be between €0,22 and €0,28 per kWh. Therefore, exporting energy without utilizing it represents an economic loss for the user.
Key strategies to maximize solar self-consumption
Beyond storage, intelligent management of domestic consumption It is essential to take advantage of every kilowatt generated. Some common recommendations include:
- Store the surplus in a battery: The most effective solution, as it enables the deferred use of solar energy and reduces exposure to high grid prices.
- Move the use of household appliances to the hours of maximum solar production: Programming your washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater to run during the day increases self-consumption and minimizes cheap exports.
- Take advantage of heating and cooling systems during solar hours: Cooling or heating your home during peak solar power hours allows you to store thermal energy, reducing subsequent consumption.
- Integrate energy management systems (HEMS): Automating consumption based on solar production, electricity prices, and household usage habits is a path to continuous improvement.
- Adapt the size of the installation and consider adding batteries in the future: More panels don't always equal more savings if most of them are exported; assessing the daily consumption profile is crucial.
Technological advances and the adoption of new strategies are allowing more and more households to take full advantage of solar energy in the summer and reduce their dependence on the conventional electricity grid, maximizing savings and contributing to a more sustainable energy system.
