US Grid Battery Storage

[AlbertaFarmer5]

California has been in that situation for some time now but keep adding nee subsidized capacity because the shares are an easy sell to the woke folks who want to invest in a green future.

Speaking of California, it seems they have finally belatedly accepted that they have reached the breaking point.
he new rule would cut the rate solar customers get for selling their excess energy by a fair chunk. The rate will decline to 3 to 4 cents per kilowatt-hour during most sunny hours of the day, down from 17 to 44 cents per kWh previously, according to estimates from Pol Lezcano, North America solar analyst at BloombergNEF.
in California. Its solar-heavy grid has an abundance of electricity during daylight hours but a steep drop once the sun sets. That creates strains. Hawaii, which saw furious growth in rooftop solar before getting rid of net metering in 2015, had to do so largely out of necessity—parts of its grid were overwhelmed by a surge of solar electricity generated during the day.
What does that do for your payback period Chuck?
In our climate and latitude with solar completely put of sync with demand, we would reach this breaking point at far lower penetrations than California did.

[farming101]

Never bank on policy. It has put the hurt on more than a few businesses

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Never bank on policy. It has put the hurt on more than a few businesses

True in all cases. But in this case the policy change was inevitable, right from the start it was obviously mathematically impossible for everyone to sell power to the grid when the sun shines, and take it back when it doesn't.
Our business plans are equally vulnerable with ethanol and biodiesel policies.

[chuckChuck]

So you don't think utilities with a smart grid will figure out a way to manage an excess of really cheap solar electricity?

Is that such a bad problem to have? Too much cheap electricity? Surely we can figure out what to do with it. Engineers around the world are working on that "problem" right now. Maybe it could be used to charge all those new EVs? Naw! it will never work.

Weren't you telling us solar was too expensive a few months ago and that's what is driving up the costs of electricity. Now there is too much in some places at the wrong time and its driving prices down?

In hot climates peak demand often occurs during the air conditioned hottest part of the day. Solar is a really good fit there.

It works pretty well here too as a grid tied supplementary system. I have first hand experience. Do you have a solar system with first hand experience? Or are you just an arm chair quarterback with an opinion? LOL

[AlbertaFarmer5]

You are getting really close to understanding this issue Chuck.
As you point out, California is a good fit for solar, with demand and supply being close to in phase. And it isn't working there, as we pointed out. Now try that in Alberta without all of the climate benefits California has.

And the engineers and power companies absolutely have a solution figured out. The price you will get paid to put solar into the grid will be negative. If you can figure out a way to get your solar power back into the grid after dark, you will make a fortune.

[chuckChuck]

You are getting really close to understanding this issue Chuck.
As you point out, California is a good fit for solar, with demand and supply being close to in phase. And it isn't working there, as we pointed out. Now try that in Alberta without all of the climate benefits California has.

And the engineers and power companies absolutely have a solution figured out. The price you will get paid to put solar into the grid will be negative. If you can figure out a way to get your solar power back into the grid after dark, you will make a fortune.

Well of course you know how the really cheap surplus solar will be handled in every jurisdiction. You're the everywhere man. LOL

Dont worry about me I signed a 10 year contract with Saskpower and by then my system will be more or less paid for and I will get another 15 - 20 years before i have to upgrade the panels.

So you better call the AESO and tell them all those giant Alberta solar projects are money losers and a bad idea! Do it before its too late. Save Alberta from too much cheap electricity!

[blackpowder]

Sounds like a tulip craze to me.

[Guest]

Sounds like a tulip craze to me.

ostriches comes to mind

[Landdownunder]

Still a non starter here. Sound like a leech parasite but waiting for next round of govt subsidies. German Swedish systems quite expensive still but may get 20 yrs 25 max.

Chinese systems here some last as little as 4 yrs warranty for 5 but not worth paper it’s written on if company no longer exists. Oxymoron some of the Chinese panels can’t handle extreme heat excessive hours of sunlight.

Get what ya pay for.

Really a stab in the dark guess but 90% of systems Chinese components.

Ps try not to knowingly buy Chinese anything

PPS will buy a system with battery storage. Solar no good to me during the day basically not home to use the power. Unless you have a wife at home all day a non battery system is a white elephant. Fridges freezers only during the day.

[Hamloc]

Still a non starter here. Sound like a leech parasite but waiting for next round of govt subsidies. German Swedish systems quite expensive still but may get 20 yrs 25 max.

Chinese systems here some last as little as 4 yrs warranty for 5 but not worth paper it’s written on if company no longer exists. Oxymoron some of the Chinese panels can’t handle extreme heat excessive hours of sunlight.

Get what ya pay for.

Really a stab in the dark guess but 90% of systems Chinese components.

Ps try not to knowingly buy Chinese anything

PPS will buy a system with battery storage. Solar no good to me during the day basically not home to use the power. Unless you have a wife at home all day a non battery system is a white elephant. Fridges freezers only during the day.

Thanks for the reality check. Interesting that Chinese made systems don’t stand up in your climate.

[poorboy]

Thanks for the reality check. Interesting that Chinese made systems don’t stand up in your climate.

You don’t get paid for putting the extra power back into the grid?

[Landdownunder]

You don’t get paid for putting the extra power back into the grid?

Yeah but stuff all now. Try to get some concrete figures for ya. Not as lucrative as it once was no we’re near.

Probably been at it here 20 yrs before you guys. Stating the obvious we have abundant sunshine.

[shtferbrains]

One thing that is a surprise to most is California along the coast where most live has what is refered to as a mediteranian climate. It doesnt get extreamly hot there like out on the desert. Temperature is much the same every day with highs around 25 or 26. Spend lots of time outside no bugs and nice temps. Leave the door open on the house all day. Lots don't have or don't leave air con on because the doors and windows are open.
Thats why property values are so high. Everyone wants to live there.
But they don't have big air con demand when people are at work.

[chuckChuck]

Still a non starter here. Sound like a leech parasite but waiting for next round of govt subsidies. German Swedish systems quite expensive still but may get 20 yrs 25 max.

Chinese systems here some last as little as 4 yrs warranty for 5 but not worth paper it’s written on if company no longer exists. Oxymoron some of the Chinese panels can’t handle extreme heat excessive hours of sunlight.

Get what ya pay for.

Really a stab in the dark guess but 90% of systems Chinese components.

Ps try not to knowingly buy Chinese anything

PPS will buy a system with battery storage. Solar no good to me during the day basically not home to use the power. Unless you have a wife at home all day a non battery system is a white elephant. Fridges freezers only during the day.

Do you really think the Chinese can't build quality products?

If you look at all the stuff you own you would be surprised by how much of it is made in China whether parts or consumer items.

They can build to high specifications. But the Walmarts of the world want cheap crap to sell at a good profit.

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Do you really think the Chinese can't build quality products?

If you look at all the stuff you own you would be surprised by how much of it is made in China whether parts or consumer items.

They can build to high specifications. But the Walmarts of the world want cheap crap to sell at a good profit.

Uh-oh. Sounds like Chuck bought the Chinese crap panels and is having some buyers remorse after reading Mallee's comments.