What is the role of a battery in a solar PV system?

A battery in a solar PV system plays a crucial role in energy management by storing excess energy generated by the solar panels. During sunny periods when solar panels produce more electricity than is immediately needed by the load, the surplus energy is directed to charge the battery. This stored energy can then be used later when solar production is less than the load demand, such as during the night or on cloudy days.

This capability allows for greater efficiency and reliability in power supply, ensuring that energy is available when it is needed. Batteries are particularly important in off-grid solar systems, where they provide necessary backup power. Additionally, they can help in grid-connected systems by allowing users to maximize their use of generated solar energy instead of relying on the grid during peak demand times.

In contrast to the other options, the battery does not generate electricity from sunlight, nor does it convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC); that function is typically handled by an inverter. Furthermore, batteries do not provide cooling for solar panels, which may be influenced by other factors, but not directly by the presence of a battery.