Environment & Energy

Finishline42

(1,161 posts)

5. What about peak capacity in the grid?

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 10:57 PM

Jun 2013

Wouldn't rooftop PV address a major issue with the grid - peak capacity? Doesn't peak power needs correspond to when the sun shines - AC usage?

If I had a PV system on my roof that supplied 40-50% of my needs during peak periods, that would reduce that amount of coal my utility would have to burn to meet the demand.

Didn't the peak power rates in Germany decrease 20% last year? Do you think PV had anything to do with it?

Peak power generating capacity is like having an eight lane interstate that is empty most of the time. Outside of rush hours - there's excess capacity. And for the power companies - selling their electricity to another utility at peak rates is a big money maker - at the expense of the ratepayer.

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Rooftop PV [View all] SHRED Jun 2013 OP

The problem is that your PV is worthless without the "centralized electricity production model". wtmusic Jun 2013 #1

Let me be clear SHRED Jun 2013 #2

Utility electricity, as probably the most highly regulated industry in the country wtmusic Jun 2013 #3

The only "Multiple, "independent" energy producers"... SHRED Jun 2013 #4

What about peak capacity in the grid? Finishline42 Jun 2013 #5

Except for summer months, peak consumption is around 9PM at night. wtmusic Jun 2013 #6

Re: Germany I don't know about peak rates but in general: wtmusic Jun 2013 #7