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"...a single component in an energy mix". And that mix relies on the grid? With nuclear or other centralized power source, yes.

• intopieces 8y ago
  From your link, solar doesn't rely on the grid, and in fact it acts independently of it on some islands.
  • justtopost 8y ago
    For the network effects and efficencies, solar absolutly needs a grid. If not a grid, you need local storage, another inefficiency.
    • tpkj 8y ago
      "As utilities fight distributed generation, electricity is getting less reliable" https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/01/03/as-utilities-fight-distributed-generation-electricity-is-getting-less-reliable/ https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/01/03/as-utilities-fight-di...
    • jabl 8y ago
      IIRC there was some article linked to on hn some time ago where it was explained that most rooftop solar installations actually don't work at all without a grid. If the grid goes down, so does the solar. It's of course technically possible to fix, but costs more.
      • cesarb 8y ago
        The article you're thinking of was probably this one: https://syonyk.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-typical-home-solar-setup-does-not-work-off-grid.html https://syonyk.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-typical-home-solar-s...
        • jabl 8y ago
          Yes, exactly! I briefly tried to search for it, but failed. Thanks for digging it up!
    • tpkj 8y ago
      I think that is about to change in the near future. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/08/20/enphase-going-einstein-with-iq8-solar-power-inverters/ https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/08/20/enphase-going-einstei... https://enphase.com/en-us/ensemble https://enphase.com/en-us/ensemble