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I think it would untill everyone starts doing it in which case off peak would turn into on peak.
I have wondered whether using a battery that is charged during off peak times, even without solar panels might be a way to save money,
I watched a lecture by a guy who specialises in battery chemistry a few weeks ago, and he was basically saying the main reasons lithium ion batteries degrade over time is that plaque builds up on the anode, and he said this problem is being worked on by some of the worlds best, and he said the problem is likely going to be solved in the near future with additives that prevent such plaque build ups, and batteries will effectively be able to operate un limited cycles with near zero degradation.
Or there is just no more peak and off peak, just one steady lower price.I think it would untill everyone starts doing it in which case off peak would turn into on peak.
I'm sure battery technology will keep on advancing.
They still need to mine , transport and process the metals all of which consume resources and generate waste so this has to be taken into account.
My Dad is currently selling excess solar power back to the grid for 12 cents, and buying power back at 28cents. who ever quoted you those numbers needs to get a better plan.
Basically its simple retailing, if you sell a tin of baked beans to woolies, you will probably get 60cents, if you want to buy a tin of baked beans you will pay $1.20.
When you are effectively using the grid as your battery, you are being provided a service, the retailer making money on your sales and purchases is how they make money providing this infrastructure service to you.
you can get around this by using a battery on your property, but that also has a cost.
The benefit of the battery is that the guy will solar panels can keep his power made during the day when he wasn't home rather than sell it for 12 cents, and use it later after dark rather than pay 28cents.
I have wondered whether using a battery that is charged during off peak times, even without solar panels might be a way to save money,
Batteries wouldn't stop you selling your excess power, but it probably stops you getting that government subsidy/rebate.I'm sure I've read, if you install batteries, you get no feed in payment, worth checking.
If you have batteries and you are on the grid, are you allowed draw on battery power when there is a grid power failure.
I just find the whole thing tragic, sad and soul destroying.
On one hand I most certainly do "get it" about the need for renewable energy. No argument there as long as it's done sensibly.
That is the crux of the issue, we all want a clean non polluted Earth for our kids and grandkids, but we both know it isn't by throwing ourselves on the cross.
Geez, I don't think people realise, the ramifications of this.
I think we are trying to put ourselves in front of the game, that is free power, but we are buying the technology from snake oil salesmen.
This is going to end badly.IMO
Whatever happened to socialised utilities?
All homes need power right? Economy of scale mean it'll be more efficient if the power plant is bigger. So why this drive towards solar panel on roofs, batteries and no doubt gov't subsidies through either rebate for batteries or tax incentives for the like of Tesla.
Batteries and domestic solar panels have their place, in the outback or sparsely populated area. In high density area, build it bigger.
All homes need power right? Economy of scale mean it'll be more efficient if the power plant is bigger.
That's how Hazelwood came into being.
The whole concept was about scaling up, massively so, in order to drive costs down. They later took that concept even further at Loy Yang.
Same principle applies to just about everything. If you increase scale then that helps get the cost per unit down.
PS - Unit 2 being ramped down now for the last time, production from the whole station now being down to 682 MW.
Yes, we've been through that umpteen times, essential services should be run by Government.
But having been through the system, the argument is that competition drives down prices and the general public say that Government employees are lazy.
I have worked in both Government and Private Industry, I have found Government is much better run and are much more aware of accountability, but you can't sell that to the general public.
I guess also if I wanted to be a cynic, I could say, well you put in batteries to not have to pay for your grid connection.
Don't complain when it isn't there for you.
In my opinion, we are 10 years ahead of technology, and it is going to cost us.
This will manifest in a drop in living standards, IMO, I hope I'm wrong but I can't see any political will to stop the tide.
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