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MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY, 2013 |

Germany To Announce Energy Storage Subsidy?

by Energy Matters

Germany blazed the trail for solar PV uptake and it appears the nation may be about to do the same for energy storage.

Rumour has it that early this week Germany's government will announce an initiative to support the purchase of battery based energy storage systems integrated with solar panel arrays.

Owners of solar power systems up to 30kW capacity will be entitled to low-interest loans from state-owned bank KfW and a repayment allowance from the Ministry of Environment that will cover 30% of the cost of an energy storage system.

Germany is no slouch when it comes to pioneering support for renewables - it was the first nation to implement feed in tariffs, which it launched in 1991. Within 5 years of the scheme being expanded in 2000, a seven-fold increase in installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity occurred in the country.

Germany's efforts in pushing solar uptake played a major role in reducing the cost of solar panels and associated equipment globally. If the rumours are correct; such as scheme should go some way to reducing the cost of battery based energy storage systems.

The initiative will be great news not only for households and businesses wanting greater energy independence, but also the many companies investing in energy storage R&D.

Last week, inverter manufacturer Power-One announced it was partnering with Panasonic to develop, produce and market energy storage systems for residential and commercial markets.

Aside from providing a greater degree of energy independence by allowing harvested solar power to be "banked" for use during low light periods or at night , energy storage systems offer a number of other benefits. For example, the systems can be charged during off-peak periods with mains power when electricity is cheaper for use during more expensive peak periods.

For solar power system owners who receive less than fair market value for the surplus electricity they export to the mains grid, storing instead of exporting that energy will send a clear signal to electricity companies that if they want the high-value green power - they are going to have to pay a reasonable price for it.