Power is currently dispatched according to the most efficient units run most frequently. Peaking units run only when it is most cost effective, i.e. power is needed and there are not cheaper options. Yes it is possible to store the energy (one method is pumped storage) for peak shaving, but different methods have different break even points.
Also of interest is the Clean Power Plan and how it will change the generation mixture.
A battery is not available 24 hours as the article indicates. There is the time to charge and the time to discharge. There is also the time for maintenance activities on the batteries.
If a battery system or solar system is installed then it breaks and power is wanted from the local utility, the utility has the costs associated with supplying that power with less time in use although it is expected to be available at need and at the peak demand for all customers. Will end users be willing to pay for the emergency back up or will another solution be found? How long will it take to repair battery or solar when it breaks? And what do you do for power until is repaired (if you don't use the utility)?
Using more energy efficient building technologies, e.g. ICF or something like enteria.com; will probably be useful in combination with batteries. And using a chest fridge as a refrigerator can also help: http://newlifeonahomestead.com/convert-chest-freezer-to-frid... (one example from the google search results).
It is an interesting time as energy use and supply are modified. 30-50 years ago, a 15-50 minute outage wasn't that big of deal, but today it is expected that power is always available. Interesting how our perspective changes.
Also of interest is the Clean Power Plan and how it will change the generation mixture.
A battery is not available 24 hours as the article indicates. There is the time to charge and the time to discharge. There is also the time for maintenance activities on the batteries.
If a battery system or solar system is installed then it breaks and power is wanted from the local utility, the utility has the costs associated with supplying that power with less time in use although it is expected to be available at need and at the peak demand for all customers. Will end users be willing to pay for the emergency back up or will another solution be found? How long will it take to repair battery or solar when it breaks? And what do you do for power until is repaired (if you don't use the utility)?
Using more energy efficient building technologies, e.g. ICF or something like enteria.com; will probably be useful in combination with batteries. And using a chest fridge as a refrigerator can also help: http://newlifeonahomestead.com/convert-chest-freezer-to-frid... (one example from the google search results).
It is an interesting time as energy use and supply are modified. 30-50 years ago, a 15-50 minute outage wasn't that big of deal, but today it is expected that power is always available. Interesting how our perspective changes.