Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?
Small-scale compressed-air energy storage (CAES)
Passive
One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.
What your site needs
Space for a pressure vessel/tank; pairs with a generation source such as a PV array.
Surplus electricity used to pump air into a strong tank; later the compressed air drives a motor that turns a generator. It stores energy without batteries, with simpler, longer-lasting parts that can be repaired. It is still experimental at household scale.
Pressure vessel 20+ years; compressor/expander are serviceable moving parts on a shorter cycle. Longer expected life than electrochemical batteries per the source.
Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.
Small-scale compressed-air energy storage (CAES) (This page) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want storage without batteries, with parts you can repair.
Battery bank (low-voltage DC) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want proven, affordable storage for the power you make.
Lithium (LiFePO4) battery bank with integrated BMS Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want storage you can empty almost fully, lasting thousands of cycles in little space.
We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.