Energy Storage Systems (ESS), typically in the form of battery storage, allow you to store surplus electricity generated by your solar panels during the day. This stored energy can then be used during peak times or at night when the sun isn’t shining. In Switzerland, lithium-ion batteries are the most common and efficient solution, offering high storage capacity (depending on size), a reasonable lifespan, and compatibility with solar PV systems.

1. Increased Self-Consumption
   

   With a battery system, you can significantly increase your self-consumption rate, from a typical 30-40% without storage to over 70% with storage. This is critical in Switzerland, where feed-in tariffs have decreased, making it more profitable to consume the energy you produce rather than sell it back to the grid at lower rates. Example: A typical 8 kWp solar system in Switzerland generates around 7,200 kWh/year. Without storage, you might only consume 30% (~2,160 kWh). With storage, this can increase to 70% (~5,040 kWh), reducing your reliance on the grid and enhancing savings.

2. Protection Against Rising Energy Costs
   

   Energy prices in Switzerland may continue to rise in the coming years. A storage system allows you to store electricity when prices are low (e.g., during off-peak hours) and use it during peak hours, helping you avoid high energy rates. This kind of “peak shaving” is particularly beneficial for businesses with high electricity demands during the day

3. Energy Independence.
   

   By combining solar power with battery storage, you reduce your reliance on the utility grid, especially during power outages or periods of high demand. In rural areas or regions with unreliable grid stability, a solar system with energy storage ensures continuous power even when the grid is down.

4. Sustainability and CO₂ Reduction
   

   Storing and using more of the energy you produce contributes to a lower carbon footprint, helping Switzerland achieve its Energy Strategy 2050 goal of a carbon-neutral energy system. Battery storage ensures that your excess clean energy isn’t wasted and reduces your overall reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity from the grid.

1. Solar Panels Generate Energy: During daylight hours, your solar PV system generates electricity, harnessing the power of the sun.
2. Excess Energy Stored: Any excess energy is sent to your battery storage system instead of being fed back into the grid. This energy is saved for later use.
3. Use Stored Energy During Peak Hours or at Night։ Once the sun sets, or during periods of high electricity rates, your stored energy is used to power your home or business, reducing grid consumption and electricity costs.
4. Back-Up Power: In case of a possible grid failure, your battery storage can continue to supply electricity to essential devices, ensuring uninterrupted power.

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

• Most Common: These batteries are widely used in both residential and commercial solar systems due to their high energy density, proven cycle life, and low maintenance requirements.
• Cost: The price for lithium-ion batteries in Switzerland ranges from CHF 5,000 to CHF 10,000 for a 10 kWp system, depending on the brand, which is suitable for most homes.
• Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 10-12 years, depending on usage patterns.
• Efficiency: High efficiency rates of 90-95%, meaning you lose very little of the energy stored.

Lead-Acid Batteries:

• Cost-Effective: These are more affordable alternatives, but they come with a shorter lifespan (5-7 years) and lower efficiency (around 70-80%).
• Best for Occasional Use: They can be a suitable choice for backup power in less demanding applications, though they require more frequent maintenance.

Hybrid Inverter Systems:

• Integrated Solution: Hybrid inverters combine solar PV and battery storage, allowing for seamless energy management. They regulate energy flows between the solar panels, battery, and the grid to ensure optimal usage.
• Smart Systems: These inverters can automatically decide when to charge the battery, use solar energy, or switch to the grid based on consumption patterns and electricity rates.

1. Installation Costs:
   • Residential: A typical battery storage system costs CHF 5,000 to CHF 10,000 for 5-10 kWh of storage capacity.
   • Commercial: Larger systems for businesses, ranging from 20-50 kWh, can cost anywhere between CHF 15,000 to CHF 50,000, depending on the required storage size.
2. Return on Investment (ROI):
   • The amortization period for storage systems depends on the amount of energy stored and consumed. For residential users, the payback period is typically 7 to 10 years if the battery is effectively utilized to increase self-consumption.
   • Businesses benefit from shorter payback periods, often ranging from 5 to 7 years, due to higher daytime electricity usage and effective demand-side management.
3. Subsidies:
   • While Switzerland does not offer direct subsidies for battery storage systems, PV systems with integrated storage can still benefit from federal and cantonal subsidies (Pronovo) programs, lowering the overall cost.

As Switzerland continues to shift towards renewable energy, storage solutions will play a critical role in balancing supply and demand, particularly as the country phases out nuclear energy. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which aggregate distributed storage systems, are expected to become more common, allowing residential and commercial storage owners to participate in grid services, providing additional income through grid stabilization.

Additionally, advancements in battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries, promise to deliver longer lifespans, faster charging, and greater energy density, making storage solutions even more attractive for future solar adopters.

If your home or business consumes a significant amount of electricity in the evening or you aim to enhance your energy independence, integrating battery storage with your solar system is a wise investment. Along with providing security during potential outages and shielding you from rising energy prices, battery storage is a forward-thinking solution that maximizes the value of your solar investment.