The cost for solar PV systems continues to decrease, such that now in many locations in the United States, utility solar PV levelized cost of electricity can compete with total operating costs for fossil generation. In addition, the installation of distributed solar PV for industrial and commercial customers is growing. Since solar PV is intermittent, the value can be significantly improved, optimized and maximized, if the solar PV can be stored. This Surveillance article looks at opportunities for improving solar PV benefits by incorporating battery energy storage systems.
