Clouds over Hawaii's rooftop solar growth hint at U.S. battle

[MishMouse]

(broken link removed to http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-clouds-over-hawaii-39-rooftop-solar-growth-121006963--finance.html)

Another interesting story about solar vs. power companies.
Both sides make a good argument, going to be interesting to see what happens.

 

[woodgeek]

Interesting. Says the 'Solar Fraction' (at peak output) from distributed solar is 10% in HI and 1.5% in CA, and less elsewhere. Looks like CA has been doubling its PV every 18 mos or so, three more doublings or 5 years gets CA to the same place/issue, 10% solar, in 2018.

 

[GaryGary]

Hi,
That's interesting.

The argument you usually hear is that more PV decreases the strain on the distribution system and decreases what utilities have to invest in their distribution system. This article seems to say that when PV reaches something like 10% of generation the distribution grid may need improvements and upgrades to keep it stable. Wonder which is correct?

Gary

 

[woodgeek]

Could be HI specific....AFAIK, minimal or no AC or heating requirement. Could be a pretty spindly grid?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I see 2 system houses in the future. One system attached to the grid that probably runs major appliances, and another battery and solar powered that runs all of the other draws a house has.

 

[Where2]

This problem could be fixed with a simple load diversion system = electric hot water heating element, and a system to control said element based on grid voltage.

Off-grid PV systems have successfully employed load diversion principles for years.

 

[renewablejohn]

In europe we have areas of much higher solar penetration and the problem is easily fixed by the use of a smart grid but it does have additional cost implications having appliances which can interact with the smart grid.