One common method of storing solar energy is through the use of batteries, where excess energy generated by solar panels during the day is stored for later use. This stored energy can then be used during periods when sunlight is not available, such as at night or during cloudy days. Battery Storage Economics Have Dramatically Improved: With LiFePO4 battery systems now costing $1,000-$1,300 per kWh and offering 6,000-8,000 cycle lifespans, residential energy storage provides 6-12% annual returns while delivering backup power security during outages. While they have many advantages, they face a significant drawback: they're unable to produce electricity without sunlight. Storage systems turn solar power from a “use it or lose it” resource into a reliable, flexible energy source.