[tpkj]

"...a single component in an energy mix". And that mix relies on the grid? With nuclear or other centralized power source, yes.

[intopieces]

From your link, solar doesn't rely on the grid, and in fact it acts independently of it on some islands.

[justtopost]

For the network effects and efficencies, solar absolutly needs a grid. If not a grid, you need local storage, another inefficiency.

[tpkj]

"As utilities fight distributed generation, electricity is getting less reliable"

https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/01/03/as-utilities-fight-di...

[jabl]

IIRC there was some article linked to on hn some time ago where it was explained that most rooftop solar installations actually don't work at all without a grid. If the grid goes down, so does the solar. It's of course technically possible to fix, but costs more.

[cesarb]

The article you're thinking of was probably this one: https://syonyk.blogspot.com/2018/05/why-typical-home-solar-s...

[jabl]

Yes, exactly! I briefly tried to search for it, but failed. Thanks for digging it up!

[tpkj]

I think that is about to change in the near future.

https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/08/20/enphase-going-einstei...

https://enphase.com/en-us/ensemble