The intent here is a simplified explanation of how and why our patterns of electrical usage create issues for utilities, how rooftop solar impacts those issues, and how energy storage helps solve them. Think “Duck Curve for Dummies”.
Two important facts about electricity are important to the explanation. First, electricity must be used as it is generated. A limited amount can be stored in batteries but it cannot be compressed or liquefied like natural gas or collected in large tanks like water. Second, over half of the electricity generated by power plants is lost during transmission to the homes and businesses where it is ultimately used. Producing electricity on-site eliminates this transmission loss and is therefore more efficient.
Written by Jay Gentry
Images courtesy of Brian Rubin, DimensionStyle Ltd.
