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While I agree with underestimating capacity, the problem only really applies to off grid. For regular homes, it just means less savings.
by turtlebits 6mo ago
While I agree with underestimating capacity, the problem only really applies to off grid.
For regular homes, it just means less savings.
- lazide 6mo agoIt means some other infrastructure (fossil fuels?) needs to take up the slack, and people underestimate actual costs at larger scales. It’s the big issue in Germany for instance - it’s all fun and games until Winter.
- pixl97 6mo agoAnd? Any coal not used in summer is coal not dug up.
- turtlebits 6mo agoWhich is fine, since you're still reducing your reliance on the grid. However, when you're off grid, underestimating capacity means your SOL and need to buy a generator and burn fuel on-site.
- uecker 6mo agoGermany has more wind in winter, so traditionally has more production of renewables in winter months.
- lazide 6mo agoIt has dramatically higher thermal heat demands in winter - far higher than is compensated for by that. Even if everyone switched to heat pumps.
- uecker 6mo agoTrue, but higher demand for heating in winter is not specific to Germany. In the end, Germany will likely need to import energy anyway - just as it does today. But this means this question may not be the most relevant.