24-hour solar power generation using virtual or physical batteries

Before deciding to install a solar power system, many people ask themselves: what actually happens to the electricity generated by the solar power system when the sun is not shining? After all, in the south of Spain there are around 320 sunny days per year. But at night, the sun is not shining, and therefore the solar power system cannot generate electricity.

One solution to this problem is to install batteries that store excess electricity so that it can be released when the solar power system cannot generate electricity. If you install a physical battery, you need to take into account the purchase price, as its cost must be included in the cost-benefit calculation of the PV system. However, in recent months, the prices of solar modules, inverters and physical batteries have fallen. Also, with a physical storage unit you are always safe in case of a power outage.

In addition to physical batteries, another solution has emerged: virtual batteries. The surplus electricity generated is decentralized as credits in the cloud. One advantage of cloud solutions is that the surplus electricity generated is no longer fed into the grid at a (still low) fee, but is converted into a credit balance that can be used when your own system is not generating electricity.

In addition, with a virtual battery, surplus power credits can be used from one month to the next, or from one year to the next. Surplus power from powerful PV systems can also be used for second homes, making PV systems attractive even for customers who only stay in Spain for 3 to 6 months per year.

Electricity generated when the property is unoccupied is converted into credits that can be accessed and consumed when the property is actually in use. Another advantage of virtual batteries is that, unlike physical batteries, they require no investment. However, a drawback is that virtual batteries do not provide power during overnight power outages.

The company Smart Photovoltaic Systems SL in Alhaurin de la Torre has been synonymous with high-quality photovoltaic systems made in Germany for many years and can advise you on all issues related to the installation of your PV system. The company’s owner, Frank Weiss, will be happy to discuss storage options with you and provide you with a non-binding quote for a suitable photovoltaic system for your home or commercial premises.