This is what is called a nuanced view of “successful.”
Yup, next generation distributed solar is the wave of the energy future, especially in low population density areas.
450 pounds in 24 months. What was the capital expenditure? Was this unknown amount financed? At what interest rate?
We don’t know if this is successful or not.
And at night?
Is it true that it takes far more energy to manufacture a photovoltaic cell than it will ever produce?
So is there any evidence that the local power company has been able to back off generation of reliably-sourced electricity in any kind of equivalent amount to this “clean green electricity” or even that it’s realistically integrated into the grid?
as a side note, to achieve the %’s noted it was necessary to trash the electric water heater and replace with gas.
Dear Cowing Family. I seriously doubt you invested the significant amount required for a storage system to get you through cloudy days and nights. So it is only because somebody else has invested in conventional generation, transmission lines, and distribution lines that you can lead your smug, holier-than-thou lifestyle. You should thank those investors for making your so-called “success” possible. Of course, their ROI isn’t predictable or very good because their asset utilization depends on the vagaries of the sun. So, from an overall system economics perspective, we have two suboptimal systems with poor economics. But keep writing those great articles about how your neighbors look with awe upon your roof..
“clean green electricity”, really?
Have you investigated the “carbon footprint” required to make your solar panels in the first place?
Hooking up to the grid should be a way to save money but I have never heard of any one coming forth and telling what their electric bill was before and after.
Stand alone solar panels work fine but you have to get used to a much different life style, or have more money than you know what to do with.
Without stating the cost of parts, installation , and permits, the 450 “savings” means nothing.
Solar will not work in an industrial modern system. There is only so much energy from the sun. If you have an off grid rural house you can get by.