Comments on: 7 projects looking to use big data to cut the cost of solar power http://gigaom.com/2013/01/31/7-projects-looking-to-use-big-data-to-cut-the-cost-of-solar-power/ Fri, 24 May 2013 09:22:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Pawel Szczesny http://gigaom.com/2013/01/31/7-projects-looking-to-use-big-data-to-cut-the-cost-of-solar-power/#comment-1308001 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:39:16 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=606450#comment-1308001 You are forgetting the other side of the coin:
1. Solar PV produces energy during the day during most of the peak hours. While most customers pay a standard flat rate, the true cost of energy based on the time of use is 4:1.
2. Distributed production. Because most systems are distributed throughout the region and they product energy during peak hours, they tend to have a stabilizing affect on the grid. Granted solar PV has to have a penetration of less then 25% on most grid’s before it has an adverse affect, due to shading.
3. Because of point number 2, there is less money wasted by the utility that accounts for transmission losses. There is also LESS! wear and tear on the distribution system. I know the utilities are making it seem like it’s the other way around, but those small and medium sized systems (1-300kW) don’t produce enough for there to be any actual reverse flow of energy. That energy simply gets gobbled up by the local users, thus creating lesser strain on the distribution system.

I’m not saying that your point isn’t valid. It’s just that it’s not one sided. There has finally been conducted a investigative paper by NREL, about the effects of PV generation on the grid. In 70% cases, they had a net-positive affect on the grid. Some of the oldest grids that have mostly coal generators, don’t fare so well with renewables.

]]> By: Eric_G http://gigaom.com/2013/01/31/7-projects-looking-to-use-big-data-to-cut-the-cost-of-solar-power/#comment-1306356 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:11:59 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=606450#comment-1306356 And here I figured they were going to figure out a way around paying people with solar panels “net metering” rates.

In case you don’t know, in most states power companies are required to buy excess solar power from consumer (roof top) systems at retail rates. While this is great for solar producers, it’s terrible for the power company because they lose any margin they would have made on the difference between wholesale and retail prices.

Now before you cry crocodile tears for the power companies, remember they basically have a fixed rate, set by the states’ PUC, except in areas that have “competition.” Those rates are based on operating cost + rate of return. When you are forced to buy power from a solar panel at retail rates, they basically are working for nothing and losing money. Eventually if enough people have solar installations the power company will need to raise rates on everyone (which will hurt non-solar homes, most of whom aren’t going to be able to invest the capital to put up a solar system, or happen to live on lots that aren’t solar-friendly, etc).

]]> By: Luella Daube http://gigaom.com/2013/01/31/7-projects-looking-to-use-big-data-to-cut-the-cost-of-solar-power/#comment-1306340 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:32:02 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=606450#comment-1306340 If you think Willie`s story is something,, 4 weaks-ago my brother’s best friend basically got paid $7358 grafting a fourteen hour week at home and the’re neighbor’s mother-in-law`s neighbour was doing this for 4 months and got over $7358 parttime at there labtop. the tips on this site……….. http://xurl.es/bo4mo

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