Another method, which was already patented in 1994 is the PV-POWERED SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM http://sel.me.wisc.edu/trnsys/downloads/trnsedapps/demos/pvsdhw.htm
which can be used to absorb excess electricity and store it as hot water. However, energetically it is better if the auxilliary tank is not heated electrically but when available with gas.
See also paper from the 27th EUPVSEC
Increasing PV Self-Consumption, Domestic Energy Autonomy and Grid Compatibility of PV Systems Using Heat-Pumps, Thermal Storage and Battery Storage
Small solar panels can be planted at the customers' homes. In the presence of such self-generated energy sources, energy consumption cost to the customers can be reduced significantly. During peak-hours, customers can use self-generated energy in order to minimize energy consumption cost and to relieve the energy load on the grid.
You can refer to one of my publications: S. Misra, S. Bera, M. S. Obaidat, "Economics of Customer's Decisions in Smart Grid", IET Networks, DOI: 10.1049/iet-net.2013.0182.
Additionally, you can also refer: S. Bera, S. Misra, Joel J. P. C. Rodrigues, "Cloud Computing Applications for Smart Grid: A Survey", IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems, DOI: 10.1109/TPDS.2014.2321378, in order to get more details about the ongoing research on smart grid.
Another method, which was already patented in 1994 is the PV-POWERED SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM http://sel.me.wisc.edu/trnsys/downloads/trnsedapps/demos/pvsdhw.htm
which can be used to absorb excess electricity and store it as hot water. However, energetically it is better if the auxilliary tank is not heated electrically but when available with gas.
See also paper from the 27th EUPVSEC
Increasing PV Self-Consumption, Domestic Energy Autonomy and Grid Compatibility of PV Systems Using Heat-Pumps, Thermal Storage and Battery Storage
Recently I conducted a study regarding the demand of solar equipments in north Delhi , the study show there can be an exponential growth if we forced to used solar instead of other.