Costsof renewable power link may not work

[chuckChuck]

Hamloc. We have discussed solar pv more, but the many on Agriville have criticized wind as well.

We already have significant amounts of wind in Saskatchewan and are about to get more. So any expansion must be based on real life results.

Solar is definitely more accessible for individuals. And as I have explained several times grid tied solar PV is feasible in Saskatchewan and will result in lower long term electricity costs for those who want to invest.

[tweety]

Also the practically zero maintenance of solar, installation almost anywhere, and that turbines need to be quite large to achieve even modest efficiency, is highly desirable comparing solar to turbines for home/personal use. I find it hard to believe that generating power for your own use is socialist. Rather, its quite entrepreneurial.

Oneoff, we get it, you hate the concept of attempting to begin to try things to get off the fossil fuel tit and are unwilling to spend a penny doing so hoping instead for something to fall from the sky into your lap and magically making free power.

Message well rec'd.

[sumdumguy]

Tweety, you buy into the hoax? More carbon - more photosynthesis - more food- more life for me thanx and less fear mongering. Please pay my carbon tax. You'll feel so much better.

[Hamloc]

Chuck2, in Saskatchewan at least 15 years before you start to save money on power(solar system payed for), in Alberta it is over 30 years without subsidy.

Tweety, is it entrepreneurial to invest in infrastructure that takes 15-30 years to pay for depending on your location and then either has to be replaced or removed at your own expense? It is depreciable infrastructure, it does increase in value over time.

[tweety]

Hamloc, it is the beginning to find answers. Your statement is false about 30 year payback. the average is 6.9 years, shorter where electricity is more expensive, longer where power is cheap and no incentives, obviously.

Even if you double that, its still 18 years of free power. I'd much rather see the carbon tax for example turned into incentives for renewable energy then gifts to oil companies. Wouldn't you?

I just don't understand the hatred for renewable energy, yet no answers in its place.

[Oliver88]

What is the life expectancy for a solar power system that has to endure snow, ice and -40 temperatures?

How thick can snow or ice be on panel before they don't work?

[Hamloc]

Tweety, talked to Skyfire energy yesterday. 10000 watt system grid tie roof mount 26000 dollars installed. In my case due to my yard layout I require a ground mount, 32000 installed. Now they are quoting an in city installation my would cost slightly more due to travel costs as I am 190 km from Edmonton. Now I just signed a 5 year contract at 6.79 cents a kwh. A 10000 watt system should average 1200 kwh per month in my area or 14400 per year. 14400 x 6.79 cents is 977.76 dollars. 32000/977.79 = 32.72 years. Now this is without financing costs or allowing for the increasing cost of electricity over time, I am willing to bet the two will cancel each other out. In Saskatchewan same system, 14400 x 11.2 cent per kwh = 1612.8. 32000/1612.8 = 19.84 years.

Tweety why do I hate Solar power? Actually I don't, I hate the load of bullshit I am being sold by politicians on how this is our climatic salvation. They increase my taxes, shut down a dependable affordable source of power in this cold climate then they can't do fricking math. So actually I don't hate solar power I hate the NDP and Justin Trudeau. By the way is my math wrong?

[tweety]

Not at all wrong. Does your power bill include transmission? If a guy could get off the grid completely, then what is the payback time?

Does it include power put back on the grid?

As an aside, do you actually use 1.2 mwh per month?

[burnt]

.....
Tweety why do I hate Solar power? Actually I don't, I hate the load of bullshit I am being sold by politicians on how this is our climatic salvation. They increase my taxes, shut down a dependable affordable source of power in this cold climate then they can't do fricking math. So actually I don't hate solar power I hate the NDP and Justin Trudeau. By the way is my math wrong?

Bingo.

And these greedy b***tards that install these "commercial" systems because they can make a chunk of money on the subsidized program that is funded with our tax dollars, but wouldn't think to trying to generate their own needs because of the unsustainable cost. Yet they don't mind saddling their neighbours and families with the cost.

And don't even try talking about how other energy sources are subsidized because there is absolutely no comparison.

[Hamloc]

Tweety, I have added up my yearly consumption. I consumed 18000 kwh in 2016 at a total cost of 3750 dollars. Of this power was 1440 the rest transmission, distribution and administration. To go off grid I had priced that out before well over 100 grand. Battery storage is still expensive and has to be replaced about every 10 years. Payback period is even longer than grid tie.