Berkeley Lab has introduced the PRESTO tool to test the performance of backup power sources for solar panels and energy storage systems during short-duration power interruptions in the United States. The tool allows simulating power outage events over several years, taking into account their unpredictability and typical patterns. PRESTO is used to analyze the effectiveness of backup power sources in solar panel systems and energy storage during brief power interruptions.

The research indicates that the size of solar panels and storage systems (PVESS) affects their efficiency as backup power sources. If heating and cooling are excluded, a 10 kWh PVESS can meet basic backup power needs for three days. However, if heating and cooling loads are included, a larger system – 30 kWh – is required to meet 96% of the critical load.

The study also shows that the performance of backup power sources can vary in different regions due to differences in consumer approaches and heating technologies. The key conclusion is that appropriately sized backup systems can effectively ensure power reliability during short-duration interruptions, considering various conditions and consumer needs.

Based on: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com