[yeah it’s twitter junk, I know]

  • sauron
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    1 year ago

    If you think letting the government control our utilities is a good thing, idk what to tell you.

    As far as solar panels, yeah…I’m very much aware. I’ve been a solar design engineer for 8 years now, I design those systems. And you think it’s reasonable to pay tens of thousands on a new electric car only to then have to pay tens of thousands more to own a PV system that will ensure you can actually use that car?

    I’ll stick with my gas powered motorcycle. Thanks.

    • Yendor@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      Is rooftop Solar that expensive in the US? In Australia, I can get a 5kW system fully installed for US$3500.

        • Yendor@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          Are you kidding?? Good solar panels are 60-70c/watt, a high end European inverter is $2k, install takes half a day for 2 tradies.

          Even with zero incentives or rebatesds, how can a 5kW system cost more than $7k?

          $3500 for panels $2000 inverter $800 labour

          • huskypenguin@sh.itjust.works
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            1 year ago

            Sadly I’m not. There’s a lot of regulatory hurdles required before even turning it on. So you pay for labor and a dedicated team navigating permits and regulations.

            • Yendor@sh.itjust.works
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              1 year ago

              Sounds like your government doesn’t want you getting energy independence. Australia was like that 10+ years ago, but now it’s super easy. There are only 2 forms (one for the inverter, one for the panels) and the installer fills it all out for you. Systems <5kW per phase don’t even need prior approval, the installer just submits paperwork after the job is done. The only time it costs you, is if you need your old meter upgraded to a smart meter.

                • Yendor@sh.itjust.works
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                  1 year ago

                  Yeah, publicly owned power isn’t all up-sides. In my state the government owns the power company, and for a long time we’ve had the most expensive power in the Country. That only changed when the invasion of Ukraine caused gas prices to skyrocket (because my state extracts huge amounts of gas, and the government gets it at a fixed price).

                  • huskypenguin@sh.itjust.works
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                    1 year ago

                    I’m not an expert on this field, but there has to be a way to structure a power company as a non profit, or just around sustainable growth.