For a Devotee of Solar Energy, a Shot at Earning Respect

NY Times ^ | October 27, 2007 | J. MICHAEL KENNEDY

[hinckley buzzard]

A serious problem which complicates rational discussion occurs when people conflate two separate issues. In this case, decentralization via solar, and solar generation per se.

There will always be the need for large-capacity generating and grid infrastructure, no matter how many rooftop solar panels get installed. But the real future of solar will lie in large-scale installations, probably using thermal solar rather than photovoltaics, supporting the energy grid.

[steve-b]

Unless you’re trying to live out in the far hinterlands or setting up a survivalist self-sufficiency system, you don’t need batteries — it’s simpler to just sell surplus power to the grid during the day and tap the grid at night.

[steve-b]

Residences use more electricity when its dark out (most folks work in the day and come home at night to their household activities). If this person doesn't have batteries then he is selling electricity to the grid during the day and buying it back at night. This presents a problem for the utilities...and will lead to electricity being more expensive at night and cheaper during the day.

The biggest load peak is summer daytime air conditioning. As it happens, that's the very time when solar collectors feeding back into the grid produce the most power. If anything, this is helpful to the utilities.

Solar isn't going to replace main-load energy sources, but it does provide a useful supplement.