Distributed Solar

[tbone56]

I'm probably steppin' off in it here, but Sunking, I think that you sort of hit on a possible solution. Generators.

If we could develop a generation plant that is designed to start up quick and run for a week or so, wouldn't that offset the variability of a RE source?

On a small scale I think it could work. If I had a midsize generator to 'backup' my solar/wind system, any downtime issues with the solar/wind/batteries, wouldn't bring me down totally as long as the generator had fuel.
I would only burn the fuel when needed, not constantly.

I used to live in a small town here in Texas and the city had a little power plant back in the 40's and 50's that was run off a big diesel engine. That sort of application could still be employed again as a backup couldn't it?

[netttech]

But wait, won't the "smart grid" fix all our problems, and have the coal plants, fart rainbows ?

I believe I read in 'our' (illinois) AE regulations, you 'can' sell excess generated energy. That is a distributed system. A resident is limited to 10k, but you can go higher, but then you're classified differently. I didn't bother to read those regs, but betting they are more trouble than they are worth.

Of course I am talkng about Illinois here....so I can only imagine the amount of 'negoiated fees' to the politicians, utilities, inspectors, etc, etc.

[Mike90250]

But wait, won't the "smart grid" fix all our problems, and have the coal plants, fart rainbows ?

[MarineLiner]

Incorrect RE power is highly unreliable and unpredictable.
You have to have a conventional plant running hot burning fuel to replace it at a seconds notice.
.....
The only conventioanl power plant that can come up in a mattery of about 10 minutes is a hydrodam to open the gates and sync up.

[Sunking]

[QUOTE=MarineLiner;13312]

[MarineLiner]

..... for every watt of renewable energy out there in operation, you have to have conventional watt to replace it in hot standby waiting to go on line immediately.

[Sunking]

My view of the importance of distributed solar is less grand than yours. I just want to offset what I use and reduce the amount of coal I burn to power my TV and refrigerator.

There lies the problem. Solar has not offset 1 ounce of CO2.

What the media and government is not telling you is for every watt of renewable energy out there in operation, you have to have conventional watt to replace it in hot standby waiting to go on line immediately.

California is an excellent example of a failed policy. The state has not built a new power conventional plant in 15 years, at the time they decide to go green. Before that they imported roughly 12 to 14 % of their electricity from other states like AZ, NV, and OR. Today CA has become even more dependent having to import 25 to 28% of their their electrical power. They are in deep trouble as is Spain and Germany with about the exact same results because they all have similar energy policies. All they have done is taken the EXHAUST PIPE out their state and put it in another state.

The deal is you have to build a conventional power plant for every renewable energy plant built. California has not done that. Can you see a problem. Why build and pay for it twice? I mean it is only your money and jobs being hit. Who cares huh?

The Mexican government is catching on and see's a way to make a huge profit off California. We will ship our coal across the boarder, they will burn it to make electricity and ship it across the boarder to California for a huge profit taking all those jobs and California's money in the name of being green. Right now California can be held hostage by Arizona or any border state by just threatening to shut off the power. Now Mexico wants a piece of that action. I think it is a great idea; how about you?

[Jason]

thanks for taking care of the spammer before I did guys

[Mike90250]

One of my big questions about distributed solar that is owned and maintained by the home owner - What will the capacity factor be after 5 years? ........There will always be small things to do such as battery care (if battery backed),
cleaning of the panels, inverters won't last forever, removal of squirrel or bird nests, on and on. Most people won't want to be bothered.

When rates have gone up, and their production goes down, and their bills go up, they will "jump to" and attend to the power loss. (if parts are aviaiable)

[jmw]

My view of the importance of distributed solar is less grand than yours. I just want to offset what I use and reduce the amount of coal I burn to power my TV and refrigerator. I don't expect to make a profit, just a reasonable time to return my investment, like buying a high efficient furnace.

I agree that the utility company won't be interested in your participation. It's cheaper to build another power plant than just distribute an equivalent amount of solar panels. So it's likely that the only way they would buy back your power is if they are forced to -- by law. That's what has happened in Missouri, and other places, I'm sure. They have to pay me a rebate for what I install, as well a the retail rate for overproduction.

[Mike90250]

We gotta another SPAMMER. Whack him.

I feel just like a kid playing "Whack-a-Mole"

[Sunking]

Thanks for all information

We gotta another SPAMMER. Whack him.

[russ]

One of my big questions about distributed solar that is owned and maintained by the home owner - What will the capacity factor be after 5 years?

Meaning if things are not maintained and replaced as is necessary there will not be all that power that is projected.

There will always be small things to do such as battery care (if battery backed),
cleaning of the panels, inverters won't last forever, removal of squirrel or bird nests, on and on. Most people won't want to be bothered.

[Sunking]

[QUOTE=rlnac;12981]I would like to produce solar electricity at my residence. I am permitted to supply energy to the

[MarineLiner]

Welcome onboard and thanks for sharing.
I like very much your idea.
Hopefully could be implemented imeadiately.