These issues plague *all* engineering and always have. In long term, they can be solved. #Greenpeace and alike however like it black-and-white: solar is a pink unicorn that we just need to do more to get rid of #nuclear asap! This is where they hit the reality.

"Developers, contractors and bankers all struggle to come to terms with the risk of large power loss factors, grid stability problems, connection problems, and equipment performance issues … So we’re out."

https://reneweconomy.com.au/were-out-big-contractor-dramatically-quits-australian-solar-sector-33796/

@kravietz I kindof like the idea of distributed microgeneration tbh. I know there are economies of scale that can make big projects more efficient, but I feel like decentralisation is a better fit for getting people to reduce consumption at the same time.

I don't know how that works for, say, a hospital, though.

@artsyhonker Microgeneration is good for energy efficiency. The energy stays where it's used, transport loss is minimal. Also by using rooftops for PV you use space that would be otherwise taken on land. Most (if not) all building however - residential, public and industrial - use way more energy than they are able to produce, so this cannot really replace grid..

@kravietz Most buildings in industrialised areas, I think you mean?

Millions, if not billions, of people live with no electricity at all.

I'm not saying we should all do our cooking with wood fires or live in the dark. But a lot of us really are profligate, and that's another problem entirely.

I don't think distributed microgeneration solves everything but I guess I'd like to see it encouraged more.

@artsyhonker House insulation standards in UK are profligate and that's the primary issue I'd say. Most houses I've seen have thermal efficiency of a camping tent, so whatever ultra-efficient energy generation you'll use, it's going to heat the air above anyway.