Estevan considered for solar power

[helmsdale]

Have I missed something on the German PV generation #s? Im seeing numerous ppl referencing output of 40GW, is that from past months? Because if we are going by the graph that blackpowder shared, that graph shows solar at a maximum of maybe just over 10GW on the 3rd, and numerous minimums in the 2-3GW range (1st, 11th through 16th).

[oneoff]

This might just help you and me (if I weren't so tired of this shit.) But somebody did a pile of work and they didn't generate all those charts on solar output in Germany from thin air. There's no doubt at least some truth in that impressive blog

[oneoff]

https://carboncounter.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/germany-will-never-run-on-solar-power-here-is-why/

[tweety]

Apparently, tweety, you are the one who hasn't figured it out, and it is your point ?? that is pointless.

But at least I've tried and obviously failed to help educate you. However, the experience reminds me of the bad old days when the pigs were stubborn and wouldn't load...

Solar isn't going away just because a few of you fear it. Fire departments and building code authors have it figured out. It will continue to grow despite the ignorance.

[oneoff]

I guess this is the final word from Sask Power.

I approached the security desk at Sask power Head office today and they made a call upstairs to the engineer who had said in the email "any questions...be sure to contact". See initial email response in a previous post above. Well apparently the officers conversation went to voice mail; so I said I'd come back after dinner and see if she could meet with me. The security fellows said they'd keep trying whilst I was away.


Well 2 1/2 hours later when I came back; no response to security desk yet ; so the security fellow phoned again and be damned if it wasn't pretty clear that she was telling him that there would be no meeting. A second later I was informed that was indeed what was just said. (and not by the engineer.)

No confirmation as to whether 1400 Mwh/year is what the corporation expects from a 10MW capacity solar PV (non tracking...fixed tilt system on 80 acres of land)... or if a typo error or miscalculation was involved. Remember I was asked to get a confirmation because it just didn't seem consistent with solar power experiences and electrical output solar PV models the literature and actual setups have reported.

I believe the well was poisoned. I hope chuck was greeted with the same "courteous" and helpful assistance from Sask Power. I believe that chuck and myself are both correct and that Sask Power is out by an order of magnitude on what they expect for annual production. I know they are stonewalling in answering a simple legitimate question about confirming what they have said...or else correcting what is in print.

I even said please at every stage and the way I was treated has caused new protocols for Sask Power when they might have need to contact me in the future.
First an appointment is necessary and I'm busy right now. Just like Head office apparently is

Second there is no suggestion box...no Customer service desk (except for billing and inquires associated with what they might owe me.
Third there is no person available. I can't tell you who that person might be and I will not give you an answer (if any) until and unless I damn well please. It may take a few tries.
You WILL contact me through electronic "internet" means only; and I might respond in my own good time; but the message will be relayed though my cat who does appear to have a hearing problem. No other persons will be made available and unless you have that person's name you are SOL. Then try to set up an appointment almost a week ahead of time and I won't say it but lots of luck and there will be no explanations given. Show up on the date you suggested and be prepared to see my ass walking away as if the representative doesn't exist..



Let the privatization begin. I can have a long memory; and won't be saying please to that corporation....for a long time.

And what response did you get chuck?. Anybody else interested too; or is it boring; long winded and you like to get along with abusers. Just for kicks contact Sask Power and see how you make out with that question "How much electrical power (Mwh's/year) is expected from the 10 Mw solar photovoltaic (PV) "farm" at Estevan, Rush Lake or Morse SK.

[farmaholic]

Reply #200

My goodness oneoff....did it ever occur to you they can't answer your questions or don't know how to. Maybe you know as much or more as the person you're questioning! I doubt they'd be prepared for the assault of questions you have for them....easier to brush you off!

You're a determined fella!

[tweety]

Just because an oneoff got an email from someone at sask power missing a digit, the whole project should be scrapped because no one can multiply Estevans 2500 hours of sun times 10 mw times a theta fudge factor?

[farmaholic]

I doubt Saskpower reads Agriville, but then you never know if word of a discussion like this was brought to their attention.

[chuckChuck]

I have not received a reply yet. They also have a media person who did the meeting in Estevan. Would have been good to be at that meeting/

[chuckChuck]

This is the solar resources map for Canada that clearly shows the southern prairies have the best solar energy resource in the Country.
http://www.estevaneconomicdevelopment.ca/images/energy/solarresources.jpg

I am pretty confident that 10Mw of solar at Estevan will produce 14000Mwh or better.

[Hamloc]

This post is a little off topic but related. As I stated before I am building a new farm shop. I want to set up one corner with a few chairs and a separate heater where we can sit and discuss the world after feeding cows in the morning. I had 3 ideas for localized heat, an air tight wood stove, a small natural gas furnace and an 1500 watt electric radiant heater. Now the electric heater is the simplest because no chimney, no gas line, no wood mess and less fire hazard than wood. So then I thought run the electric heater with solar, free heat or so I thought. Did some reading and concluded I would need 8-9 265 watt panels to produce enough power in Alberta winters. Then I thought no point in having heat if it is not available every day, so I priced out a system with battery back up. Total price for parts still has to be mounted and wired in 11750 dollars, fml, to run a 1500 watt heater. Now of course I could just set up the panels without batteries and buy a small Honda gen set to run when it is cloudy, much cheaper than the batteries. But the part that amazed me was over 12000 dollars once installed to create enough power for dependable access to 1500 watts of heat! Wouldn't heat a very big house. Ontario's Premier wants to phase out natural gas heat and heat with electricity, can't imagine what that would cost. As for using passive solar panels which you cycle glycol through, would only heat on a sunny day and wouldn't provide the localized radiant heat I desire.

[tweety]

Newsflash, generating renewable energy costs more to produce then just burning stored energy.

[tweety]

I am pretty confident that 10Mw of solar at Estevan will produce 14000Mwh or better.

Definitely. But it will cost more than just lighting a match, so scrap it. Isn't that what is being said after 7 pages?

[Hamloc]

Tweety I guess that is probably how I come across. My problem is that Trudeau, Wynn and Notley are trying to tell me that we can switch to green energy at no cost to our economy and if we don't the earth will become uninhabitable for future generations. I think both of those statements are untrue.

[tweety]

Tweety I guess that is probably how I come across. My problem is that Trudeau, Wynn and Notley are trying to tell me that we can switch to green energy at no cost to our economy and if we don't the earth will become uninhabitable for future generations. I think both of those statements are untrue.

I think you came across as totally realistic, my statement was more directed as just a general statement to all - including and especially Trudeau, Notley et al.

I did the same math for geothermal. Have lines all run to the field from the house but it was too expensive to run the heat pump and buy all the stuff. Its expensive. My solar lighting project is small and was not that expensive, but i definitely could have done it cheaper just running underground wire.

But still no answer from Oneoff to just because it costs more, should we not do it. Why shouldn't we get the ball rolling on learning about renewable energy. 10 MW is a drop in the bucket in our entire SK grid production. Can it really drive a man to be that passionate to absolutely not do it? Apparently it can.

I just want to know why. Awaiting an answer