[turtlebits]

While I agree with underestimating capacity, the problem only really applies to off grid.

For regular homes, it just means less savings.

[lazide]

It means some other infrastructure (fossil fuels?) needs to take up the slack, and people underestimate actual costs at larger scales.

It’s the big issue in Germany for instance - it’s all fun and games until Winter.

[turtlebits]

Which is fine, since you're still reducing your reliance on the grid.

However, when you're off grid, underestimating capacity means your SOL and need to buy a generator and burn fuel on-site.

[uecker]

Germany has more wind in winter, so traditionally has more production of renewables in winter months.

[lazide]

It has dramatically higher thermal heat demands in winter - far higher than is compensated for by that. Even if everyone switched to heat pumps.

[uecker]

True, but higher demand for heating in winter is not specific to Germany. In the end, Germany will likely need to import energy anyway - just as it does today. But this means this question may not be the most relevant.

[lazide]

Huh? It highlights the relevance. It’s easy to handwave ‘imports’ away - but import from whom, and how do they make the energy?

[uecker]

One could import it as ammonia from locations that can produce a lot of it via solar.

[pixl97]

And? Any coal not used in summer is coal not dug up.