| bdbdbd said: @Squilliam: You're right about that. However, problem with the solar power (this may not come into mind in NZ) is, that at the time most of the energy would be needed, there's little of it available. What you'd need, would be power plants (coal or oil for a fast startup) to keep the supply steady. But. Solar power would be great addition where it's available throughout the year. Charging cars would likely bring the problem with the grid capacity, since you'd have to have lots of cars in charge simultanously (which itself would create the peak). The grid, of course, wouldn't be much of a problem in the long run. Before electric cars, i would see the 2nd generation hybrids (that you btw can charge from the grid) more viable option with the tech known today. |
A Chevrolet Volt has an 8.8KW battery pack good for 40 Miles of purely electrical running. Since it takes 8 hours to charge the power draw would only be a little over a KW. It would be no worse than a small heater running through the night in terms of electrical consumption. I doubt that even a whole street of Volts would strain the grid locally. I hear theres plenty of coal/nuclear/hydro power to go around at night so it shouldn't be an issue. Also charging a Volt would cost only 80c which is a pittance next to the cost of gasoline.
Solar power is pretty useful, but only in places with a lot of illumination. However its really expensive to install unfortunately and at this time except in corner cases its worse than a typical coal/gas fired power station.
Tease.
