Actually David, most current home solar systems are designed with no storage capabilities. Instead they are simply solar boost systems, designed to tie in with the existing electrical grid and add whatever wattage they're capable of when the sun is shining. At times when the solar system's output is greater than the electrical need, the power is actually added to the grid which can give the consumers a slight rebate on their costs.
Here in the Southwest, that has huge potential since the highest solar power times are also our peak demand times on our electrical grid. I'm seriously considering adding such a system to my home. The prices for a few thousand watt system consisting of 4 or 5 panels is around 4 or 5K$. With some govt tax rebates the system should pay for itself withing 5 - 10 years, even sooner if more cells are added as they come down in price.
Space/Science » in reply to The efficiency is the most important figure, more important even than cost.
No need for storage
The whole thread (23 posts)
- Update on flexible solar cells
- The efficiency is the most important figure, more important even than cost.
- solar power satellites
- No need for storage
- re: The efficiency is the most important figure, more important even than cost.
- I'm glad you brought up this topic.
- re: Update on flexible solar cells
- Hope these work! (n/t)
- The efficiency is the most important figure, more important even than cost.