Big and small, batteries are part of our lives
Every day millions of batteries are used throughout the world. From remote controls to flashlights to cameras and even energy storage. For most of us, the quiet and often unseen superhero has become an essential part of our lives and something we don’t usually think about. We only realize how important they are when our cellphone dies, or when our car won’t start.
Batteries have been around since their invention in 1800 by an Italian physicist named Alessandro Volta. Yes, Volta.
Batteries are significant in our daily lives, which is why February 18 is considered Battery Day in the U.S. – a day to recognize how batteries make it possible to use the things we use every day.
Here are some ways to celebrate Battery Day:
- Swap out dead batteries from your household items.
- Take old batteries to the recycling center.
- Check your smoke alarm and fire alarm batteries – replace them if needed.
- Learn the science behind batteries.
As technology evolves so do the many ways we use batteries. Today, CPS Energy uses batteries to store energy for our community. In 2019, we completed the construction of a solar farm and battery storage project. The site is used for “solar shifting” where energy produced during the optimal solar time, between noon and 2 p.m., will be stored in lithium-ion batteries to serve our community during the peak demand time of the day, generally between 3 – 7 p.m. – when solar power is not as productive. The facility provides our community with a source of power generation that complements our Flexible Path.
As we move forward on our path, we will continue to explore how batteries will play a role in how we meet the changing energy needs of our community.
