I found this interesting. It surprised me the amount of solar power that is being generated in California. It's a problem now, but it seems solvable with technology. Solving the business problem may be a bigger challenge.
I was skeptical it could ever happen because it would cut out the utility companies and the transition would be difficult as those still relying on the grid would see costs skyrocket. Multi-story buildings would be a problem if solar is the technology, so I wasn't sure the grid could ever be eliminated. In some cases cities may need to have their own grid.
Since I first envisioned local power generation, EVs have come on the scene. I'm not sure local solar generation has enough capacity to charge multiple EVs that a household may have. Also geothermal HVAC systems, while highly efficient, add to the residential electrical load. I'm not sure solar can capture enough energy for all that, but I haven't really tried to do the math to see if next generation panels can get there.
Years ago I thought it would be great if power distribution was not primarily via a grid, but rather produced locally at each consuming entity. An efficient and safe means of storing energy when the sun is not shining is critical. Backup generators would likely need to be part of the solution.
I was skeptical it could ever happen because it would cut out the utility companies and the transition would be difficult as those still relying on the grid would see costs skyrocket. Multi-story buildings would be a problem if solar is the technology, so I wasn't sure the grid could ever be eliminated. In some cases cities may need to have their own grid.
Since I first envisioned local power generation, EVs have come on the scene. I'm not sure local solar generation has enough capacity to charge multiple EVs that a household may have. Also geothermal HVAC systems, while highly efficient, add to the residential electrical load. I'm not sure solar can capture enough energy for all that, but I haven't really tried to do the math to see if next generation panels can get there.
