[snakeoil]

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/80336 ... -utilities" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is an article about Elon Musk's newest push to change the world. If successful, this technology could drastically change the utility business. BUT...what about the availability of the raw materials needed for the batteries? Can any or all of the product be recycled? What would be the end cost and would the product ever be cost effective? Are there any hazards to a homeowner inherent to the product? What maintenance would be required and will the typical homeowner be able to perform such maintenance? What happens if maintenance is not performed properly? Can the product be installed by unskilled persons?

My thoughts...the article sounds like the answer to our prayers but the article raises as many questions as it answers. Based on Elon Musk's past accomplishments, I am still very opptimistic that these questions will be answered.

[RealJustme]

You would still need the utilities to charge the batteries, as they stated in the article even with the giant batteries the longest it can power a home is two days without being recharged. Since I often chose to work from home I have cyberpower battery backups so I don't lose power to essential items during power interruptions. But depending on what I chose to power I only have 2-6 hours power. We don't have enough power outages to justify a house generator, plus the cyberpower backups take over instantly if power goes out so you don't lose anything you may have been working on. That's where I see his battery plan being of help, they'll never power a home full time unless they invent a battery that charges it's self.

By the way, to keep my cyberpower backup systems charged it's estimated (by cyberpower) they consume 15X more energy than the energy they put out when needed. So anyone that's thinking they'll save energy by using batteries WRONG, it's just a luxury to provide temporary power when you need it.

[elklindo69]

Utility companies must be paranoid of solar charged batteries. There is a process called "metering." Where consumers are paid to sell back excess capacity back onto the electric grid. What Musk's company is trying to do, is to sell more batteries so consumers can capture more of the excess capacity instead of selling it back. It's really brilliant when you think about it...

[johnforbes]

Nobody is named "Elon" or "Musk," much less "Elon Musk."

[RealJustme]

What Musk's company is trying to do, is to sell more batteries... It's really brilliant when you think about it...

Elk for once you're 100% correct, his green energy scheme is to sell more batteries. I'm sure you're already signed up to get on Musk's waiting list (NOT).

[elklindo69]

What Musk's company is trying to do, is to sell more batteries... It's really brilliant when you think about it...

Elk for once you're 100% correct, his green energy scheme is to sell more batteries. I'm sure you're already signed up to get on Musk's waiting list (NOT).

If solar panels can be used to charge batteries and power someone's home, why would you want to purchase electricity from the utility company?

[tvd]

Elon Musk waltzed into the aerospace industry, sucked Obama's dick, and now wants to corner the battery market. Good for him. But I am not an Elon Musk fan, not at all.

[elklindo69]

Elon Musk waltzed into the aerospace industry, sucked Obama's dick, and now wants to corner the battery market. Good for him. But I am not an Elon Musk fan, not at all.

The oil/gas/coal industries have funneled billions into GOP coffers for decades.

McConnell has his own set of custom made knee pads and life long supply of napkins to clean off his chin...

[RealJustme]

The oil/gas/coal industries have funneled billions into GOP coffers for decades.

Actually the Democrats have received more money from the gas industry, but as far as the oil and coal industries giving money to the GOP, that's just another reason to support them, it shows they care for America's future.

[Malcolm]

McConnell has his own set of custom made knee pads and life long supply of napkins to clean off his chin... :lol: