Thread: Sydney-Melbourne in an EV is possible.

The predictions I have seen from ANEMO and other sources suggest a much higher uptake.
Only about one sixth of predicted renewable capacity has been reached. Uptake varies between states, with Qld way ahead and NSW growing well, but other states lagging.
Residential and commercial are also growing at different rates. The market is also separated between the eastern states and SE WA.
The overall power market is also growing at varying rates around the country. Also unknown is how the federal government will behave, while state governments are currently leading the way.
Predictions vary. One from ANEMO was the current renewable 6GW would reach around 20 GW by 2035. But it's all guesswork.
The only thing they all agree on is the growth is rapid and faster than many predicted.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

If the houses are wired to run off their own solar first and only send the excess to the grid, then the grid should not be saturated.
If there are batteries to run the house at night, then there should be very little effect on the grid.
As 30% of houses already have solar and installations are speeding up, I can't see why it would take 10-20 years. I reckon we will easily pass 50% within 5 years and solar will become normal, with those that don't have solar being left behind. Buyers will demand solar in their houses. It is already a sales point.

Good luck convincing a landlord to retro-fit solar onto a house that he/she isn't liable to pay the power bills for.

There's always going to be early adopters and then there's everyone else that really don't care either way, and just view it as an additional expense they don't need. 3D was the next big thing. Until it wasn't.

Energy companies will do everything in their power to make sure they stay relevant and make a profit. Self-sufficient, off-grid solar is a massive threat to them.

Put it this way, the average life expectancy of a coal power station is approx 40 years. Considering how many are currently being built I would estimate that is about how long it will be before there is full adoption.

I'm all for off-grid solar energy. I just think the tech is not quite there yet.

My 8kW PV system is useless on overcast days. For May, June and July to date my costs for grid power has exceeded my feed-in credit which is currently 20c/kWh. The system helps significantly overall but it is not a replacement for grid power. A 5kW battery and a new Fronius hybrid inverter to handle my 8KW of panels that hasn't been released yet would in fine weather provide for my peak cost evening usage which would save me on average $1.50 per day. No battery + inverter upgrade for me based on current feed-in and peak costs.

And I won’t be throwing a battery in the mix whilst I get $0.54 per kWh I export

Being DINK and shift workers we use minimal power (less than average single person) so most goes to the grid.

I’m in credit about $4500.00

Originally Posted by Graeme

My 8kW PV system is useless on overcast days

today (no sun, rain) my 5kw system has made 5kwh. useless in winter.
doesn even cover the supply charge

Originally Posted by Tombie

And I won’t be throwing a battery in the mix whilst I get $0.54 per kWh I export

Being DINK and shift workers we use minimal power (less than average single person) so most goes to the grid.

I’m in credit about $4500.00

Exactly, when they stop paying me $0.79 FIT I'll think about building a powered caravan and keep it hooked into the PV array to become my 'power wall' .