Thursday, May 21, 2015

Microfit Solar - Overview

Building a Microfit Project - Ontario, Canada

Overview

I hope to provide an outline on Microfit Solar projects, from our experience, for those interested in building their own.  I've had a number of neighbours express interest, so I thought I'd pass on my experience.

While I recognize that not everyone believes in Ontario's solar program, and others are concerned about the pending sale of a portion of Ontario Hydro, I'd point out that "distributed power" is becoming a reality.

Distributed power is where homes and businesses generate their own power, store some of it and send some to the grid.  Storage would be with batteries like those from Tesla - although I'd argue that Sodium Ion or Vanadium Flow batteries are likely going to supersede Tesla's initiative,  (Elon, if you're reading this, I'd love to hear your thoughts - don't be shy! ;)),  Battery technology is just getting off the ground.

Solar technology has come down substantially in price to a price point (depending on type) of about $.50 per watt. I expect that to drop further and for solar to greatly increase in efficiency as folds are put into the silicon to increase surface area.

Solar + battery = significant change.  This is the start of a disruptive technology.  We are the cusp of a power revolution and the grid infrastructure will not be as important or relevant as it once was.  Yes, please sell a portion of Ontario Hydro now.  Many of us may not even be on the grid in the future. 

All interesting, but why was I going for solar?  The money!!

















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