Battery storage systems could feed more solar power into the grid

October 2, 2026

Source: E & M powernews

Author: Susanne Harmsen

A Fraunhofer study identifies potential for approximately 150,000 MW of additional PV capacity at 1,313 substations. Battery storage systems are expected to improve the utilization of existing grid capacity.

According to a new brief study, Germany’s power grids could accommodate significantly more photovoltaic capacity than previously assumed. The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology (Fraunhofer IEE), commissioned by the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), investigated how battery storage systems at substations can enable additional PV installations.

The study estimates the technical potential at 1,313 rural locations—where renewable energy plays a major role—at approximately 150,000 MW of additional PV capacity. By comparison, only about 130,000 MW of this capacity is currently installed in Germany.

BSW-Solar intends to present the findings during the ongoing deliberations in the Bundestag regarding the so-called “grid package.” Through this package, the federal government plans to better align the expansion of renewable energy and storage with grid expansion. Changes to grid connections and the management of grid bottlenecks are also planned.

In the association’s view, grid capacities should first be utilized more effectively before additional areas are designated as grid-constrained zones. Among other things, BSW-Solar is calling for more digitized grid operations and easier deployment of grid-supporting battery storage systems at substations.

The brief study “More PV Electricity Through Smart Battery Storage” is available on the BSW-Solar website.