Optimizing solar energy utilization: insights on energy storage battery capacities and residential self-sufficiency

The study delved into how Energy Storage Batteries (ESB) can boost self-consumption and independence in homes fitted with solar panels in Baghdad city capital of Iraq. We examined various ESB sizes, ranging from 2 kWh to 14 kWh, to gauge their influence on a building energy efficiency. The evaluations, spanning daily to yearly periods, indicated that as ESB capacity grows, both self-consumption and self-sufficiency see a corresponding rise. Specifically, a 2 kWh ESB led to 64.35% in self-consumption and 57.46% in self-sufficiency. The results demonstrated for the capacity amplified to 14 kWh, the numbers climbed to 88.38% and 80.89%, respectively. This pattern suggests that expansive ESBs can optimize the use of energy from solar panels, minimizing grid dependence and promoting sustainable power use. It is noteworthy, however, that our results also drew attention to the influence of seasonal changes on solar output and power needs. Moreover, investigation discerned a fourth-degree polynomial relationship between the percentages of self-consumption and self-sufficiency when paired with ESB. These insights can guide homeowners, decision-makers, and industry insiders in refining renewable energy setups in homes. Subsequent studies would benefit from examining the economic and ecological outcomes of various ESB dimensions and delving deeper into the dynamics of self-consumption and autonomy.