I have a modest set of solar panels on an entirely ordinary house in suburban London. On average they generate about 3,800kWh per year. We also use about 3,800kWh of electricity each year. Obviously, we can't use all the power produced over summer and we need to buy power in winter. So here's my question: How big a battery would we need in order to be completely self-sufficient? Background …
  • edent@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    10 days ago

    Author here. I do say that we don’t have the technology to make this a reality yet.

    Of course, the batteries would be discharging every night and throughout the winter deficit. But, yeah, the tech isn’t there yet.

    • mesa@piefed.socialEnglish
      3·
      8 days ago

      Nice breakdown of the data! Im in an area where it gets very warm and almost no rain. Also its 50c a KWH…so solar is definitely something we are looking to get soon.

    • Wrufieotnak@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      5 days ago

      It’s interesting to see the data though.

      And I remember hearing about one german company, that sells a system of normal batteries for short time storage and electrolysis/fuel cell for long time storage. In summer you generate the H2 and in winter you use it up when the solar batteries are empty.