Energy storage and photovoltaic: the new heart of solar energy

The Renewable Energy Sector Is she living in a golden age and photovoltaic has become the undisputed protagonist of the global ecological transition. However, anyone who has approached this technology knows that not all that glitters is gold: the production of solar energy must deal with an insurmountable structural limit, namely intermittency. The sun shines during the day, but Italian households' electricity consumption peaks are often concentrated in the evening and early in the morning.

To overcome this time gap, technology has responded with a solution that today represents the real “heart” of every modern plant: storage systems. Without a battery, much of the energy produced is fed into the grid, often at unfavorable prices, forcing the user to buy it back at full price as soon as the sun goes down. Understanding how these systems work, which are the dominant technologies in 2026 and how to navigate between costs and benefits is essential for anyone who wants to really lower their bill.

In this guide, we will explore the world of energy storage, analyzing why it has become indispensable and what are the alternative ways for those who cannot or do not want to install a physical system on their roof.

Why does photovoltaic need a storage system

For years, the photovoltaic system was seen as a set of panels capable of producing energy “on the spot”. This model, however, has a significant efficiency limit. Without a storage system, direct self-consumption (i.e. the instantaneous use of the energy produced) hardly exceeds 30% of the total generated. This happens because in the central hours of the day, when production is maximum, we are often not at home or do not use energy-intensive appliances.

The phenomenon of the Duck Curve (Duck Curve)

The problem of intermittency does not only concern the individual citizen, but the entire national electricity grid. Industry experts often talk about the 'Duck Curve', a graph that shows the imbalance between energy supply and demand. During the day, the enormous solar production causes the demand for energy from traditional sources to plummet. However, as soon as the sun goes down, demand skyrockets upward just as solar production fades away.

This curve, which recalls precisely the profile of a duck, puts stress on the electricity grid, forcing operators to quickly activate gas power plants to cover evening peaks. Domestic and industrial storage serves precisely to “flatten” this curve: the energy accumulated during the day is released in the evening, reducing pressure on the grid and ensuring greater stability of the entire electrical system.

Energy independence and resilience

In addition to the macroeconomic issue, having a battery means focusing on resilience. In an increasingly uncertain climate context, where extreme events can cause temporary blackouts of the national grid, a photovoltaic system with storage (especially if equipped with an ATS switch) makes it possible to keep the vital functions of the house active: refrigerators, internet connection and alarm systems. It is the decisive step to move from a simple 'consumer' to a true independent 'prosumer' (producer and consumer).

Types of storage systems: the technologies of 2026

The battery market is constantly evolving. If until a few years ago the options were limited, today in 2026 we have different solutions available, each with specific characteristics of durability, safety and cost.

Lithium-ion batteries (LFP and NMC)

Currently, lithium batteries dominate the domestic market. Within this category, technology LiFePO4 (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) has become the standard for home installations. Compared to the NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries used in smartphones, LFPs offer much higher thermal stability, almost completely eliminating the risk of fire, and guarantee more than 6,000 charge and discharge cycles. This means that a battery can safely last between 15 and 20 years, following the useful life of the solar panels.

Solid State Batteries

Solid-state batteries represent the great promise of energy technology. In 2026, we are seeing the first commercial applications, even if the costs remain high compared to traditional lithium. These batteries eliminate liquid electrolyte, making them even safer, lighter and capable of charging much faster. They are destined to become the standard for the next decade, but for now they remain a niche choice for those who have no budget limits.

Flow batteries (Redox Flow)

Unlike the compact batteries we use at home, flow batteries use electrolyte liquid reservoirs. They are bulky systems, often comparable to large closets or small containers, which makes them unsuitable for apartments. However, for businesses or energy communities, they offer an unbeatable advantage: longevity. They can be charged and discharged tens of thousands of times without losing capacity, making them the ideal investment for long-term, large scale storage.

The storage economy: costs and return on investment

Investing in an accumulation system requires a careful analysis of the portfolio. Although prices have fallen dramatically thanks to the economy of scale and global overproduction, the purchase of a battery pack is still the most important item of expenditure of a photovoltaic kit.

How much does it cost to have an accumulator today?

In 2026, the average costs for a “turnkey” system (including installation and paperwork) stabilized on more accessible ranges than in the past. We can estimate the following price ranges for the Italian market:

• Small residential plant (3 kWp): Combined with a 5 or 7 kWh battery, the cost ranges from 9,000 to 13,000 euros. This configuration is ideal for a couple or family that consumes around 3,000 kWh per year.
• Average residential plant (6 kWp): With a larger storage capacity, between 12 and 15 kWh, the investment rises between 18,000 and 24,000 euros. It's the standard solution for those who have heat pumps or electric cars to recharge overnight.

The calculation of savings and tax bonuses

The return on investment (ROI) depends a lot on how much the user can use the battery. Without a battery, the savings in the bill are around 30-40%. With a well-sized storage tank, it can cover up to 80-90% of the annual energy requirement. Despite the end of the super-incentives of past years, the 50% tax deductions (Restructuring Bonus) remain active, which make it possible to recover half of the expenditure in 10 years, making the investment decidedly attractive.

Peak Shaving and Load Shifting: Managing Energy in a Smart Way

Having an accumulation does not only mean having an energy 'tank', but being able to manage flows in an intelligent way through advanced load management techniques.

What is Peak Shaving?

Many domestic and commercial users pay fixed fees based on the peak of power taken from the grid. The Peak Shaving consists of using battery energy to cover consumption peaks (for example when the oven, washing machine and air conditioner are turned on at the same time). In this way, the user can maintain a contract with a lower committed power, saving each month on fixed bill costs.

Load Shifting for Maximum Savings

The Load Shifting (load shifting) is the practice of accumulating energy when it costs less (or when it is produced free of charge by the sun) to use it when the market price of energy is higher. With modern home automation systems, the inverter and the battery independently decide when to draw from the grid and when to give priority to storage, optimizing economic savings to the hundredth.

The challenges and limitations of domestic storage

Despite the many advantages, the installation of physical batteries in the home is not without its challenges. There are physical, technical and bureaucratic barriers that every user should realistically consider.

• Space and environment: Batteries require dry, ventilated and temperature-controlled rooms to operate at their best. In many city apartments, finding the right place for a 100 kg battery cabinet is not trivial.
• Life cycle and disposal: Even if modern batteries last a long time, there will come a day when they will need to be replaced. The disposal of lithium batteries is a complex process that requires specialized supply chains, representing an environmental cost that should not be underestimated.
• Technological degradation: As with smartphones, household batteries also lose a small percentage of capacity each year. A plant that today covers 90% of the needs, in 12 years could cover only 75%.

These limitations lead many consumers to wonder if there is an easier way to enjoy the sun without having to manage the complexity of a 'power plant' in their garage.

The innovative alternative: Gridshare's shared photovoltaic

If you live in a condominium without a suitable roof, if you do not want to face an initial investment of twenty thousand euros or if you simply prefer not to have the burden of maintaining inverters and batteries, there is a modern solution that is revolutionizing the market: shared solar parks.

Choosing shared solar parks as an alternative to a domestic storage system allows you to obtain the same economic benefits by eliminating all barriers to entry. Instead of installing physical panels and batteries on your roof, you can buy shares of large industrial photovoltaic plants located in areas with very high solar output.

Why is the GridShare model the winning choice in 2026?

Participate in a project GridShare. means embracing the energy transition in a fluid and intelligent way. Here are the key benefits of this approach:

• Industrial efficiency: GridShare plants use large scale storage systems, much more efficient and durable than domestic ones, ensuring that every ray of sunshine is transformed into value.
• No installation or maintenance costs: You won't have to call technicians, check for battery degradation, or handle paperwork with the network distributor. Everything is professionally managed.
• Flexibility and portability: If you move house, your investment follows you. You are not physically tied to a roof. In addition, you can start with small investments and increase your share over time.
• Tax benefits and energy income: The proceeds from the sale of the energy produced by the solar park directly offset your bill, allowing you to enjoy real and tangible savings without the risks associated with the wear and tear of domestic hardware.

In conclusion, although storage systems are an excellent solution for those who have the ideal conditions for a private installation, the future of solar energy is moving towards sharing. Thanks to GridShare, becoming the protagonist of the green revolution has become simple, accessible and free of technological stress. It is the choice of those who want the most out of the sun, looking at savings and sustainability with a long-term perspective.