China’s advancement in solar-technology production has reduced prices to a point that

[greybeard]

Hey Chucky I read that whole post.
Maybe the first time ever.
Good post too.

[chuckChuck]

Hamloc thanks for the clarification. I was thinking back to our discussion on the viability of solar.

Too bad you can't be credited for all your costs in Alberta as then installing a grid tied solar pv system would definitely make sense as Boyd solar's estimate is that you can lock in 10 cents per kwh over 30 years.

I had heard that Alberta's electricity costs had gone up after privatization. When I look at Saskpower's farm rates, we are getting a pretty good deal relative to Alberta.

I sure hope Brad Wall doesn't sell off Sask Power and Sask Tel as I am sure our rates would go up and we would then pay higher distribution costs in rural areas. It seems like that rural distribution costs are high which makes sense if you believe in user pay based on distance and low population.

Saskatchewan's system is definitely fairer to rural.

[chuckChuck]

Thanks Greybeard. I am not as wild eyed and radical in person as some may think. I believe in affordable solutions and new technology where appropriate. We will be dependent on fossil energy for a long time yet. I just think solar and other renewables should be part of the landscape along with minimizing waste and increasing efficiency.

I think Ontario mismanaged their electrical system.

I hope that renewables become widely accepted without subisdies although we do susbsidize fossil energy indirecly and directly as well so maybe we need to level the playing field. In some cases subsidies can and should be used to kick start innovation and adoption.

[vvalk]

Hamloc thanks for the clarification. I was thinking back to our discussion on the viability of solar.

Too bad you can't be credited for all your costs in Alberta as then installing a grid tied solar pv system would definitely make sense as Boyd solar's estimate is that you can lock in 10 cents per kwh over 30 years.

I had heard that Alberta's electricity costs had gone up after privatization. When I look at Saskpower's farm rates, we are getting a pretty good deal relative to Alberta.

I sure hope Brad Wall doesn't sell off Sask Power and Sask Tel as I am sure our rates would go up and we would then pay higher distribution costs in rural areas. It seems like that rural distribution costs are high which makes sense if you believe in user pay based on distance and low population.

Saskatchewan's system is definitely fairer to rural.

Chuck chuck using classic left wing defect tactics. Unless I missed it you have been asked many many times if you have shut off your pipes going into your house and run exclusively off the grid? If your farming and in Saskatchewan then guaranteed you haven't.
I am building a house now and have looked into it. Minimum cost for a system that would come close to self sufficiently ( but not, so you need to be hooked up and pay the transmission and distribution costs for both elec and gas. For most in Alberta that is 75% of your bill) is $160000 . So putting anything back into the grid is useless when you only account for 25-30% of what your bill is being reversed. The system is also quite maintenance and replacement heavy.

[vvalk]

Chuck chuck using classic left wing defect tactics. Unless I missed it you have been asked many many times if you have shut off your pipes going into your house and run exclusively off the grid? If your farming and in Saskatchewan then guaranteed you haven't.
I am building a house now and have looked into it. Minimum cost for a system that would come close to self sufficiently ( but not, so you need to be hooked up and pay the transmission and distribution costs for both elec and gas. For most in Alberta that is 75% of your bill) is $160000 . So putting anything back into the grid is useless when you only account for 25-30% of what your bill is being reversed. The system is also quite maintenance and replacement heavy.

If anyone thinks that $160k isn't right. $90k for geothermal. 2 options. 6-8 holes 300ft deep or at least 1 acre besides your septic field to run lateral lines 10-12ft deep.Need heater exchangers and boiler type systems with in floor heat throughout the house
Solar is $70k with batteries ( never hear enviros talking about the environmental footprint of batteries. Chuck any cut and pastes on that?). Need rotating solar panels and large roof or ground areas. High maintenance costs goin forward
So in other words anyone looking to do this off the grid stuff can't live in cities or towns. So 90% of the population. Never mind 95% can't afford it
Also electrical generating needs to be build for peak demand even if that last only for 30 mins a day.
How about businesses and factories chuck? Can they use solar or geothermal? Talk about sticking your head in the sand!

[samhill]

Hydro One CEO’s pay of $4 million with bonus approaches ...