The most common type of energy storage in the power grid is pumped hydroelectric power. However, the storage technologies most commonly associated with solar power plants are electrochemical storage (batteries) with photovoltaic plants and thermal storage (fluids) with CSP plants. Battery storage technologies are essential to accelerate the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy. Battery storage systems will play an increasingly crucial role between supplying green energy and responding to electricity demand.
This common type of renewable energy is typically produced by photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Solar energy is also used to heat buildings and to obtain hot water, as well as for cooking and lighting. Solar energy has become affordable enough to be used for domestic purposes, including garden lighting, although it is also used on a larger scale to supply energy to entire neighborhoods. Green energy solutions are used in buildings that range from large office blocks to people's homes.
As an energy source, green energy often comes from renewable energy technologies such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass, and hydropower. Currently, wind farms are considered to be the most efficient source of green energy, since they require less refining and processing than the production of, for example, solar panels. Other factors also favor green energy, such as the ability to produce relatively cheap localized energy solutions, such as solar farms.
