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Understanding Solar Energy

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261 points chmaynard | 1 comments | 20 Mar 25 12:09 UTC | HN request time: 0.204s | source
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GratiaTerra ◴[20 Mar 25 15:31 UTC] No.43424697[source]▶
Personal energy abundance and off grid independence is the good life and it means using all electric appliances and vehicles, heat pump and hot tub, powered by nonpolluting energy generation.

As the article alluded to, scale is important for this to work (although I get by fine using only thirty 400 watt panels (12kw) and this covers less than 30% of my roof).

As a remote worker, not commuting daily large distances is key to this system working. If I had to commute 60 miles every day I would need additional 10-15 panels to power the Ford Lightning EV truck, and if I was charging at night I would need six additional 100A 48v batteries.

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Calwestjobs ◴[20 Mar 25 17:11 UTC] No.43425929[source]▶
In Czech republic - europe - they made law that says anyone can built up to 100 kWp solar array, without any building permits, township meetings, HOA nonsense etc. You want it, you can build it.

Best way to be independent of your neighbors polluting your air with their wood burning furnace is show them PV works, and is cheap.

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1. GratiaTerra ◴[20 Mar 25 18:20 UTC] No.43426951[source]▶
Yes, this wasn't economically feasible 10 years ago due to the rapid improvement in batteries, inverters, heat pumps for air conditioning and water heating, etc. I've been living off grid over 20 years but its only recently that its at least as good as a connected 200 amp grid power service with ample 220v for residential needs.