U.S. PV market to double in 2011, thanks to module overstock

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/solarbuzz-says-us-market-to-double-this-year-081211/

U.S. PV market to double in 2011, thanks to module overstock

Chris Meehan

Aug 12, 2011

It’s a mixed blessing.Photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer’s earnings shrunk in the second quarter of 2011 as they lowered module prices to ovoid overstock. Those lowered prices, increased utility demand, renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and the potential expiration of important federal incentives are creating a storm of demand, under which the U.S. PV market will double over last year, according to the new "United States PV Market Report" from Solarbuzz.

This doubling over 2010 will make the U.S. the world’s third-largest solar market behind Germany and Italy this year, according to Solarbuzz. With sustained incentives and the right policies, the U.S. could grow to 12 percent of the international market by 2015.

“Under this forecast scenario, Germany would still be the largest market, but its world share will be significantly smaller than in 2010. The U.S. would grow, under the right policies and regulations, the second largest market in the world by 2015,” said Solarbuzz President Craig Stevens. “The growth rates of major markets will continue to be impacted by government policies over the next 5 years, both in terms of fiscal incentives and also regulatory matters/”

For the first time, demand for photovoltaics from the utility market in the U.S. is outpacing demand in commercial and residential markets. At the same time the pipeline of projects is growing significantly.
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[DCKit]

1. I've lived with them, and I love them.

Energy storage is the weak link.

[PoliticAverse]

3. What are you using for storage ? n/t

[DCKit]

4. Lead/acid batteries, same as anyone else.

We use our excess energy during the day, and use a light or two (and sometimes the TV) at night. Over the past three months, I've generally woken up to a fully charged battery bank.

Do you have a better option? And, no, I can't afford a bank of lithium batteries.

We're going to be selling the property, so I'm done with that, I'll design my own system for the next one, and I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[MF248]

5. Changing Behavior To Take Advantage Of Battery Storage

All the engineers I talk to give the excuse about energy storage being the problem behind renewable energy. The real problem is that we haven't been aggressive enough in developing smart grid & computing technology that better reallocate resources around peak times. For a view of how this would work in an ideal world I'd recommend the book "Hot Flat & Crowded". Additionally, if you're interested in how to create behavioral/computing solutions that work around human interaction and energy use, I'd recommend a new social advocacy site that looks to create similar discussions and use social media to spread those messages. Check it out @ wwww.GreenDotMovement.ning.com

None of the solutions we come up with are going to solve these problems, it's going to take a massive amount of solutions for a massive amount of problems to achieve the change this world needs.

(Official Blog: www.GreenDotMovement.Blogspot.com, Official Website: www.GreenDotMovement.com)

[DCKit]

6. Trust me, I'm all over that.

I wrote a much longer post explaining the details, but the Internet hates me tonight and it didn't post. It would be easier to do it than explain it again.

Thanks, and welcome to DU.

[txlibdem]

8. Sorry to butt in but DFW area is under forced power outages for over a month

DFW = Dallas/Fort Worth. They call it "the metroplex" but it encompasses about 18 'burbs as well as the two big cities.

During peak hours, combined with temps nearing 110 degrees, a lot of manufacturing plants were asked to cut back their power usage (so we could avoid rolling blackouts to residential areas). I saw on the news a couple of days ago that retailers are also being asked to shut down on occasion.

We just got some much needed rain (after 43 straight days of 100+ temperatures) so I don't know how that impacts the grid but here's hoping things improve.

Anyway, to your post, TXU (our biggest power generation company) has a program they call "iThermostat" where they can turn off your air conditioner if demand gets too high. Apparently they've had to do that on 8/4 from 3pm to 6pm, turning off A/C for 15 minutes out of each hour.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/stories/ERCOT_Narrowly_Avoids_Residential_Blackouts_Dallas-Fort_Worth-126816973.html

https://www.brightenithermostat.com/brighten-conservation-program.aspx?src=w_consv

[kristopher]

9. What you're describing isn't a "forced power outage"

That is a "demand side management program" that is only possible with the installation of special equipment in the home that allows the power company to control selected appliances during periods of peak usage. It is a voluntary program that usually reimburses the homeowner a couple of dollars a month for participating. I've been signed up for 15 years and get $3/mo.

"Forced power outage" would be an accurate description of rolling blackouts.

In short, if the power company is asking, then it isn't forced.

[txlibdem]

10. Au contraire

"What's behind the blackouts? Power plants not designed for cold weather"
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/02/02/whats-behind-the-blackouts-power-plants-not-designed-for-cold-weather/

"Energy Conservation Urged To Prevent Rolling Outages"
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/03/rolling-power-outages-could-return-for-texas/

"ERCOT issues Power Watch, asks Dallas residents to conserve energy until 7 PM"
http://www.dallassouthnews.org/2011/06/27/ercot-issues-conservation-watch-asks-dallas-residents-to-conserve-energy-until-7-pm/

"The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said Thursday that some large industrial customers were being paid to shutoff power.

"ERCOT urged residential customers to conserve energy and hopefully avert rolling afternoon outages as power demand peaks."
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/08/04/ercot-rolling-power-outages-possible-thursday/

That's closer to having a gun aimed at your head. "You agree with me, don't you." And your answer...

[kristopher]

11. Demand side management doesn't equal "forced power outage"

You are now wrong twice instead of once.

[txlibdem]

12. Then "armed robbery" is now called "demand side monetary exchange."

The utility asks out of courtesy, not because they have to. They have a gun to the heads of businesses all over Texas and do, in fact, tell them they're getting no power so the business owner puts up a "Closed - no power" sign and goes home for the day. Residential customers don't even get the courtesy of a heads up when the rolling blackouts start.

So, by our analogy, they hold a gun to the businesses heads and say "pretty please."

[sfpcjock]

2. Maybe not as mixed as you think.

This is just how new heavy supply chains develop against entrenched competition. The next generation will also be more efficient than these are, you know?

[DCKit]

7. Does that even matter when 16 to 24 modules can supply all your energy needs?

In this case, few of us care about "smaller is better' Does it matter if it takes up 1/8th to 1/2 of your roof? Who cares? It's the fucking roof, not the living room. Nobody goes up there, and it's not in anyone's way.

I, for one, have HUGE hands, and I'm tired of tiny shit. I want more big shit... things I can get my hands around. Half the roof of nearly anyone's house is more than enough space for enough of the current panels to handle all their energy needs.

If there's a sudden glut of panels, I know what to do with them.