Grid-tied solar

[KiwiBro]

In case it matters to anyone, the discharge power ratings of the Tesla Powerwall batteries have doubled, without any increase in cost, before the first orders are even shipped. Energy capacity stays the same, so now you can empty them twice as fast.

So, I guess they now deliver a reasonable amount of power - 5kW continuous, 7kW peak (30 mins max).

 

[ultrarunner]

I was just reading similar... looks like the they are tweaking before final release.

 

[houstonscott]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHswxauDGVg - Video Tube for YouTube - iPhone/iPad

HS

 

[ultrarunner]

A lot depends on availability of power and at what cost...

I have a friend that is remote in Hawaii... he is totally off grid and believes it money well spent... last I checked he said 35 cent kW plus it would have cost 30k to run power from the grid... besides... the sun shines a lot where he is.

I just reviewed this months electric bill at work.... 13k at and average price of 22.5 cents per kW... summer rates have started plus peak tier pricing... not to mention load factor cost of $1800....

Many things to consider.

 

[houstonscott]

A lot depends on availability of power and at what cost... I have a friend that is remote in Hawaii... he is totally off grid and believes it money well spent... last I checked he said 35 cent kW plus it would have cost 30k to run power from the grid... besides... the sun shines a lot where he is. I just reviewed this months electric bill at work.... 13k at and average price of 22.5 cents per kW... summer rates have started plus peak tier pricing... not to mention load factor cost of $1800.... Many things to consider.

Having net metering is the key to making PV work. HS

 

[ultrarunner]

Have two problems with going solar at work...

One is the building only has 10 more years on the master lease.

Second I'm not sure how vulnerable the panels/hardware would be to theft.

I've had to cage and lock all kinds of things from Backflow Valves to HVAC cooling towers...

The metal thieves will try to get anything they can...

Today, one of my projects was to disable all outdoor electrical outlets... I've got calls early in the morning and found homeless using a hot plate in addition to charging their cell phones... only in America do homeless people have cell phones...

It's not the theft of power... it is the trash left behind and using doorways for toilets...

 

[houstonscott]

Have two problems with going solar at work... One is the building only has 10 more years on the master lease. Second I'm not sure how vulnerable the panels/hardware would be to theft. I've had to cage and lock all kinds of things from Backflow Valves to HVAC cooling towers... The metal thieves will try to get anything they can... Today, one of my projects was to disable all outdoor electrical outlets... I've got calls early in the morning and found homeless using a hot plate in addition to charging their cell phones... only in America do homeless people have cell phones... It's not the theft of power... it is the trash left behind and using doorways for toilets...

If you only use 12kwh a day I wouldn't do it. I did share your concerns about theft, and singling out your residence as a place that can afford such things brings issues too. My front is blocked by oak trees so the array can't really be seen from the road and shouldn't attract attention. HS

 

[ultrarunner]

The big qualifier here seems to be central A/C

Where I live, it is almost unheard of for single family and apartments... only larger Commercial with controlled ventilation like the Hospital where I work.

Drive 20 minutes away and every new home has Central A/C and most older ones now... except in the 60's and even 70's it was usually a single window unit...

My how times have changed.

 

[houstonscott]

The big qualifier here seems to be central A/C Where I live, it is almost unheard of for single family and apartments... only larger Commercial with controlled ventilation like the Hospital where I work. Drive 20 minutes away and every new home has Central A/C and most older ones now... except in the 60's and even 70's it was usually a single window unit... My how times have changed.

When I lived in Bay Area no one had AC. HS

 

[dave1949]

Some more storage battery news:

Intersolar Europe: Germany?s Sonnenbatterie races Tesla into US market | PV-Tech Storage

Grid-stabilising battery park goes online in northern Germany | PV-Tech Storage

I "think" battery integration into residential and grid systems will become common over time. I figure they are just scratching the surface now; learning how to utilize a new product/concept capability.