Battery storage is not a good solution for energy; especially over long-term. Batteries lose energy over time, the longer the period the more loss there is. For instance, NiMH batteries drop as much as a third of their initial charge over 24 hours (newer ones may work better). Lead-acid batteries also loose charge over time; not too mention most rechargable batteries contain toxins.
I agree that burning or processing oil to make hydrogen is just stupid.
During the rotating blackouts in 2000, I did some spreadsheet work, and figgured it would take less than $200,000,000 dollars to re-roof a large number of shcools, and thow in enough solar pannels to generate enough energy at peak time to make up for what they were claiming the grid was short by, plus 50%. The california school system would have benefitted by not needing to pay for power, the state would have benefitted in several aspects (less polution, re-roofed schools, power on the grid when it's needed most, no new power plants or infrustructure required, construction jobs created, etc). But it aparently made more sense to throw money into enron, santa fe, pg&e, etc, than do something good for the general public.
It's not that we don't have the technology, the know-how, the raw materials, etc. The system is controlled by people who would rather "take their cut" than do the right thing. (this is a pet peave. when i get my desert house, one of the things will be a "lifetime" roof and solar pannels.)
no subject
I agree that burning or processing oil to make hydrogen is just stupid.
During the rotating blackouts in 2000, I did some spreadsheet work, and figgured it would take less than $200,000,000 dollars to re-roof a large number of shcools, and thow in enough solar pannels to generate enough energy at peak time to make up for what they were claiming the grid was short by, plus 50%. The california school system would have benefitted by not needing to pay for power, the state would have benefitted in several aspects (less polution, re-roofed schools, power on the grid when it's needed most, no new power plants or infrustructure required, construction jobs created, etc). But it aparently made more sense to throw money into enron, santa fe, pg&e, etc, than do something good for the general public.
It's not that we don't have the technology, the know-how, the raw materials, etc. The system is controlled by people who would rather "take their cut" than do the right thing. (this is a pet peave. when i get my desert house, one of the things will be a "lifetime" roof and solar pannels.)