Quote:
Originally Posted by slapass
Use the grid as your back up and save a ton on the system. The batteries are too expensive for the benefit.
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Yes this is where it is at right now. It is possible to run off grid but it requires more of an enthusiasts type of person. Someone whom just wants to do it or needs to for say a cabin in the middle of nowhere.
The biggest cost of running off grid is the actual batteries. I think this is where Musk will make the big difference.
There is another issue that also needs sorting.. That is the whole AC vs DC situation. The simple fact is the AC system is much better suited for the entire on grid situation. However in a off-grid situation having DC appliances is the game changer.
Some of the key growth areas that no one thinks about in a localized power system is DC appliances. The lighting situation has now been sorted out with LED lights but to move to a non grid tied housing situation we need to start seeing highly efficient full size refrigerators, washer/dryers and so on. Now of course you could always go natural gas on those items, but that's just trading on grid for carbon fuels.
Until people can get normal items that work well off grid it will be a small market. If we start seeing some of those big ticket appliances that can be run efficiently off grid, we will then see the start of no longer paying for centralized power systems.