Comparison: Solar Battery or Virtual Photovoltaic Storage?

Is it still worth investing in a physical battery when you can store your solar electricity remotely? Since the emergence of virtual photovoltaic storage, the question now arises for many households equipped with solar panels for self-consumption. Both options share the same goal: to let you use your own electricity, even when the sun isn’t shining. Yet, they differ completely in how they work, how much they cost, and how easy they are to access. At Alma Solar, we’re here to help you make the best choice.

What is virtual photovoltaic storage?

Virtual photovoltaic storage is based on a simple but powerful idea. When a homeowner generates electricity through their solar panels, they don’t always use it right away. Instead of wasting or selling it at a low price, this energy is injected into the grid. In return, a provider like Alma Solar counts these kilowatt-hours as energy credits. These credits are then used when the home needs electricity — day or night.

This means you can store your solar energy remotely, without installing a battery at home. It’s also referred to as a virtual battery, or ebattery, because it offers the same benefits as a physical storage system… without the downsides.

Why is virtual photovoltaic storage becoming the go-to solution?

In the past, physical solar batteries were the only way to increase self-consumption. But they’re still expensive, complex to install, and limited by battery lifespan. In contrast, virtual photovoltaic storage removes those barriers. No hardware, no maintenance, and no limits on how much energy you can store.

This model is increasingly attractive because it lets users make the most of every kilowatt-hour produced, without extra investment. At Alma Solar, we offer a clear and cost-effective service for solar producers: you inject your excess into the grid, we give it value for you, and you use it whenever you need it. This even works for your second home, if you have one.

Is virtual photovoltaic storage more profitable than a battery?

Profitability is a key reason to choose virtual photovoltaic storage. A physical battery costs between €1,000 and €10,000, not counting installation. It takes up space, needs monitoring, and loses efficiency over time. Virtual storage, on the other hand, relies on existing grid technology and smart billing. The cost is limited to simple contract management, making it more accessible for more households.

What’s more, Alma Solar’s model lets you unlock your excess energy at a fair price and get back the equivalent when needed. It’s not a discount deal — you’re truly getting value from what you produce, and cutting your electricity bill effectively.

Is virtual photovoltaic storage reliable all year long?

Unlike a home battery, which can quickly overflow in summer and run dry in winter, virtual storage offers crucial seasonal flexibility. By regularly injecting your summer surplus, you build up enough credit to meet your winter needs. This allows for a smart, smooth distribution of your production, without worrying about the technical limits of physical storage.

Even if your consumption or production changes, you won’t lose out. This solution suits many profiles — especially well-exposed homes that can’t or don’t want to install a battery.

Is virtual photovoltaic storage compatible with all households?

The only technical requirement for using a virtual battery is having a smart meter, like the Linky meter, and being connected to a provider like Alma Solar that offers this kind of service. No additional equipment is needed. You keep using your solar panel electricity as usual — we take care of managing your energy credit.

This setup is perfect for small rooftops, apartments with solar systems, or homes where space or electrical limitations make batteries impractical.

What’s the day-to-day difference between a virtual battery and a physical one?

From the user’s perspective, there’s no real difference. You continue producing and using your own electricity — but with a virtual battery, you enjoy unmatched convenience. No upkeep, no monitoring, no noise, and no space taken up. Your electricity follows you year-round, like an always-available energy wallet.

With a physical option, you face limited capacity, wear from charging cycles, and the need for technical fixes in case of failure. For many families, that solution is now outdated.

Why choose the Alma Solar Energy solution?

At Alma Solar, we believe an ebattery should be simple, accessible, and transparent. Our offer lets you change providers freely, with no commitment, unlock your solar surplus at a fixed price, and consume your own production with no restrictions. We designed this service to meet the needs of homeowners who want to optimize their self-consumption without complicating their setup.

By joining Alma Solar, you maximize every kilowatt-hour produced, anticipate energy price changes, and take part in a smarter, greener energy transition.

Final word: Entering a new era of self-consumption

The virtual battery is a major innovation in managing solar energy. More flexible, more affordable, and more sustainable than a physical battery, it allows everyone to optimize their system and boost energy independence. By choosing this technology, you're investing in the future — and Alma Solar is here to support you every step of the way toward energy freedom.