• anarchiddy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 day ago

    Ok now go just one step further and ask yourself what variables factor into this.

    There’s a reason that pattern exists, and it isn’t because solar and cooling hours don’t align.

    • sqw@lemmy.sdf.org
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      24 hours ago

      the difference between demand and net demand in that graph is purely solar/wind generation, isn’t it?

      • anarchiddy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        22 hours ago

        Essentially, yea. That, and reduced demand from people setting their thermostats to relax their cooling temps while they’re away from home. We should honestly be grateful that we’re able to produce so much more energy from solar than what we need for active cooling. It’s a good problem to have.

        • sqw@lemmy.sdf.org
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          22 hours ago

          that thermostat factor reduces actual demand by a little, doesn’t impact the net difference per se.

          • anarchiddy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            22 hours ago

            From the pov of the utility, sure. But in terms of absolute energy use it’s possibly the only way to account for that fluctuation.

            This is why this debate is so frustrating - producing energy from solar is of huge benefit, but instead of talking about how best to put that production to use, we’re talking about the problem it creates for utilities who don’t want to adapt to the distributed production.