Estevan considered for solar power

[chuckChuck]

The typo could have occurred within Sask Power.

[Hamloc]

At 14000 mwh, that is 14000000 kwh x 11 cents a kwh is 1.54 million, with a 25 million dollar initial investment that is just over a 16 year payback with no profits taken and no maintanence costs factored in. Would have to add a year or two to allow for financing costs. Does this sound like a money making venture? No private company would invest in a project that makes no money in 18 years. Also I am sure that solar panels are not an appreciable asset lol!

[oneoff]

And thats probably why the tune changed to Sask Power saying they are buying a quarter section at Estevan. They may need to further sweeten the pot with incentives and there is absolutely nothing saying that even 80 cents a Kwh wouldn't change the economics a whole lot. After all that exactly what happened in Ontario some years ago and its still pretty attactive (at least on the surface)

see the link aways back in this thread that burnt provided for current rates paid in Ontario

[oneoff]

The typo could have occurred within Sask Power.

Again, assuming any mistake was made, but yes, I'm sure the author of an email is totally responsible for typing 1400Mwh; and it was obviously not a mass mailing; but a response to a specific question that definitely says "1400Mwh per year". But what I hope we both really want to know is what output the Corporation is banking on.

I've got a confirmation request in to the engineer's direct telephone line. Tomorrow if I can get past the security desk in Regina I'll try first hand as well. And that one isn't easy because you can be asked for your appointment and kind of rudely reminded that no one is available on short notice; its "Friday" and everyone is gone etc. We'll see. Its a challenge and only way to try to get first hand information.

How is your detective work on this same question advancing?

[oneoff]

[Sorry a repeat

[tweety]

I'm trying to say that batteries aren't the way to go with energy storage. Even if energy were free of all
costs there are inherent restraints to batteries and your logic fails on the high costs associated with the batteries themselves. Never saw a really green battery yet...and you show me the one on the horizon.

I'd advise opening your mind up and looking at alternatives

And...... zoomed right by a second time!

[oneoff]

No..like the the general said about what looked like a retreat......just advancing in a different direction.

[oneoff]

Trip to Regina cancelled because it just isn't worth risking lives when Sask weather is as cruel and changeable as it has been lately.

Still working on getting the truth out; and am counting on messengers not being shot.

[oneoff]

My own estimate and the simplest math I can think of is

10 Mw solar panel capacity.....at 100% sunlight hours and ideal conditions gives 10Mw times 24 hours per day....equals 240 Mwh per day theoretical max generated electricity.

There are 365 or so days in a year equals 87600 Mwh per year But the sun doesn't shine every hour and clouds and snow will once in a while obstruct somewhat and on and on ...so a reasonable overall expectation of hours available (out of any of day, month or year time periods might be about 15% of time (as previously stated I've seen even Sask Power use 15% for those factor amounts)

So finally the math says ....87,600 Mwh/year times 15% EQUALS 13,140 Mwh/year usable electrical power into grid.

LEADING TO MY CONCLUSIONS

Sask Power should put the brakes on immediately and not waste 25-30 million if their estimate of 1400Mwh per year is actually what is anticipated by the Corporation (or who ever builds the project....)


And further even if 18,730 Mwh could be expected from a 10 Mw nameplate installation; as has been pointed out by others; 10 cents (or 11 cents or even more)....amounts to a a couple million of income on an 25 to 30 million investment. Certainly not the best current investment and one I would doubt any savvy investor would participate in.

Conclusions chuck's estimate (18730Mwh/year) could be close to reality. But that could only be the beginning of the complete story



There is a strong possibility that electrical costs won't be anywhere near what past and present costs have been. And only monopolies like Sask Power have any idea what the future may turn out to be. After all only a Review panel stands between what they say they need and what our bills will be.. Ontario's 80 cent/Kwh rate being paid to small power producers may seem outrageous....but who's to say that the electrical monopolies don't know exactly what they are doing; and soon those solar unit owners won't seem to be getting much more than retail payment.

I won't be arguing that alone with electrical utilities but as electrical users none of us should express shock after its too late.

[oneoff]

Oh...And about 80 acres will be utilized for any 10 Mw solar panel site. And 80 acres is 4 times as much as 20 acres and arguing that difference is insignificant on any personal grounds ...is equivalent to logic saying plus or minus 400% of anything in the world matters not one hoot.