The solar industry is calling on the UK Government to remove regulatory and economic barriers to energy storage.
The Solar Trade Association (STA) has published a paper exploring the interaction between solar power and energy storage, highlighting the wide array of services storage could potentially provide to home owners, networks and utilities.
However, the report suggests regulatory, economic and market barriers need to be removed so the technology remains a viable and attractive option to businesses and consumers.
Currently there is no legal framework defining energy storage so it is often subject to unsuitable rules, for instance being charged for both the import and export of energy, which is “illogical and raises the cost unfairly”, says STA.
It adds improved product and installation standards are essential to ensure safety and quality and is urging the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to prioritise resolving these issues.
Paul Barwell, STA CEO said: “Storage is a game-changer for power systems and consumers around the world. Other countries are providing stimulus to their storage industries but we believe the priority in the UK is to move quickly to lay the foundations for the development of a strong, safe and sustainable energy storage industry, at all scales.
“The costs of storage are moving rapidly downwards and the economics could be compelling by the time fundamental regulatory & market barriers are resolved.”
ELN has contacted BEIS for a response.