The costs and benefits of solar energy

[mahatmakanejeeves]

CBS Saturday Morning

The costs and benefits of solar energy

When someone starts powering their home with solar energy and stops buying power from their local utility, many like to think they've "gone off the grid." But in many areas, they're not as independent as you might think. Barry Petersen has more. Air Date: Apr 16, 2022

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A look at the cost of solar energy access and who benefits from it
113 views Apr 16, 2022

CBS Mornings
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When someone starts powering their home with solar energy and stops buying power from their local utility, many like to think they've "gone off the grid." But in many areas, they're not as independent as you might think. Barry Petersen has more.

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[MLAA]

1. I first installed solar panels and batteries about 1.5 years ago.

I live in Southern AZ. My spring, summer and fall electric bills are a small credit. I still had a winter bill of over $175. This past December I ordered more panels and one additional battery to try and become 100 percent independent. There is such a long lead time that the panels will arrive in June and not sure when the additional Tesla battery will show up so the Solar company is going to do the installation in stages. What gives me the most satisfaction is knowing we can get through a power outage during the desert heat if it becomes necessary. Last week the electric company guy knocked on the door and said the power would be out for 30 minutes or so. Everything worked and our power didn’t even blink when it went out and flipped to solar. Long story, I love it but I’m 60 and do not expect to see the cost benefit of going with solar but it sure provides a lot of piece of mind. I wouldn’t have a problem paying a fee to maintain the local power grid.

[hunter]

2. It's easy to create a fair rate structure...

... but imposing it on wealthier politically powerful consumers is another matter entirely, especially those consumers who've been convinced by corporate advertising that their high energy lifestyles are somehow "green."

Owning no car at all has a much smaller environmental footprint than owning a Tesla.

A house with a 20 amp electric service with no solar panels has a much smaller environmental footprint than a house with a 200 amp service maxed out with solar panels and batteries.

A house that's "off the grid" entirely and capable of supporting an ordinary affluent consumer lifestyle with full size refrigerators, central air, an electric car, etc., complete with a backup generator for cloudy weeks... that has the very largest environmental footprint of all.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. Understood. Everyone presents a unique footprint (or whatever) to the utility.

SCE or PG&E have to maintain a lot of lines for the power to go back and forth, as circumstances call for.

No matter how awful the weather gets, utility workers will get a call at 3:00 a.m. telling to suit up and report for duty to restore service.