Solar on houses is good. Solar on houses and businesses is better. But just because the latter isn't happening right now is no reason to not do the former.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Agreed. I added solar when I moved to the Bay of Islands which has about the most expensive electricity rates in the country. I also work from home. It will pay for itself in 6 years at current electricity rates (which, some people tell me, are only going to get more expensive).

Unfortunately I'd need a battery to increase resilience against power cuts, and the maths doesn't add up for that yet, at least for me.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Nice!

Yes batteries are currently not really worth it at the prices we pay. I had 2 small batteries installed (IIRC they are 4kwh total), but they really add nothing. Slightly offset costs,but weren't worth it. I got a good price on them, however, so I'm not too upset, but in hindsight I wouldn't have added them.

I'm a big fan of centralised storage. Using excess generated power during the day on a pumped water storage system, or similar, and then returning it to the grid at night. I think the economies of scale make the most sense this way, and then buyback rates should be equal. That would require some radial overhauling of the current power landscape, however. If only the power companies hadn't been privatised back in the day, we would be in better shape then we are now.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My argument is there is a far better way of doing solar than what is being proposed, not that we shouldn't do it.

If you actually read and understood my comment, you'd know I'm advocating for solar on buildings that are using power during the day.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Sure, but there are other considerations. Many businesses do not have appropriate roofs, or are in shared buildings, or are surrounded by tall buildings so get little sunlight.

Also, just because you won't benefit doesn't mean others won't. Like I said, combining running washing etc during the day, keeping the house cool/warm for free during the day, and the buyback (small but significant) has dropped my power bill almost 40%.

I personally think residential solar is a great idea. I think commerical solar is a great idea. I'm happy with anyone adding solar to anything.

ETA: oh, and if you are in favour of solar, then I suggest you vote Labour or Greens. They are the only parties with concrete plans to increase solar uptake.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Have you done the numbers on how long it will take to pay this system off?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Yes, I have it somewhere. I think it was in the order of 10 years but I'd have to find the details to confirm that.

I didn't do it with the thinking of return on investment however. To me, it is an increase in property value, and a reduction in day-to-day costs which were big factors, and of course reducing my environmental impact.

I actually installed my panels in two stages. The second stage added 60% production, but cost slightly less than the initial 40% did. The costs are even less now. Couple that with input from the government, and the pay-off time would be much less if I installed it today with this policy in effect. Much more appealing to people whose main concern is strictly reducing costs.

I'm also a big fan of residential solar for redundancy and disaster resilience.