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Under "net metering" rules, which were enacted broadly to support distributed solar, that's not how it works: the generating consumer can offset billing for pow

Under "net metering" rules, which were enacted broadly to support distributed solar, that's not how it works: the generating consumer can offset billing for power use from the grid with excess power generation pushed back into the grid on a 1:1 basis, which amounts to paying them both for generation and for transmission. People who have solar, who sell solar, who install solar, want to install solar, or who think distributed solar are a public good worthy of subsidy want to keep this rule.

rblatz 12y ago
Thanks, I think solar should be subsidized, but I don't know if I agree that the local utility should be the one subsidizing it.
yaskyj 12y ago
Exactly. Also, the argument that solar provides the grid with power when it needs it most is incorrect. Solar production peaks at around noon while electric consumption peaks around five when people arrive home from work. Solar houses basically use the utility as a no-cost battery.
- gioele 12y ago
  Commercial consumption peaks at noon, residential consumption peaks at 21, but with a much less prominent spike. In addition, the price of energy and the economy behind new plants is based on the commercial peak ("please run your washing machine in the afternoon", used to remember you state-run companies with every bill). Nice graph at http://www.mpoweruk.com/images/elec_load_demand.gif http://www.mpoweruk.com/images/elec_load_demand.gif from http://www.mpoweruk.com/electricity_demand.html http://www.mpoweruk.com/electricity_demand.html (please note that that graph is from 1999's Californa; now the commercial spike is much higher due to air conditioners being active in almost all office). Thus, solar helps when it is "needed" the most.
  - mrfusion 12y ago
    Another thing to help is if solar is overproducing around noon, homes could leave their AC temperatures cooler than they normally would, and the AC wouldn't have to work as hard when they get home. I.e., using the home's temperature as a very inefficient battery but better than throwing it away.

rblatz 12y ago

Thanks, I think solar should be subsidized, but I don't know if I agree that the local utility should be the one subsidizing it.

yaskyj 12y ago

Exactly. Also, the argument that solar provides the grid with power when it needs it most is incorrect. Solar production peaks at around noon while electric consumption peaks around five when people arrive home from work. Solar houses basically use the utility as a no-cost battery.

gioele 12y ago
Commercial consumption peaks at noon, residential consumption peaks at 21, but with a much less prominent spike. In addition, the price of energy and the economy behind new plants is based on the commercial peak ("please run your washing machine in the afternoon", used to remember you state-run companies with every bill). Nice graph at http://www.mpoweruk.com/images/elec_load_demand.gif http://www.mpoweruk.com/images/elec_load_demand.gif from http://www.mpoweruk.com/electricity_demand.html http://www.mpoweruk.com/electricity_demand.html (please note that that graph is from 1999's Californa; now the commercial spike is much higher due to air conditioners being active in almost all office). Thus, solar helps when it is "needed" the most.
- mrfusion 12y ago
  Another thing to help is if solar is overproducing around noon, homes could leave their AC temperatures cooler than they normally would, and the AC wouldn't have to work as hard when they get home. I.e., using the home's temperature as a very inefficient battery but better than throwing it away.