[clug] OT: Solar power recommendations and advice

[Michael Still]

Alex Satrapa wrote:

> … you'll start to realise that your solar panels on the roof might
> not be generating the power that *you* need, but dammit, every
> kilowatt hour of solar power they produce is being used by someone
> instead of another kilowatt hour of coal fired electricity.

It is my understanding that you can't just turn coal power plants up and 
down... I believe they normally run at the maximum output required in 
the daily cycle, and various companies buy the unneeded power at a 
cheaper rate.

(In other words, I've heard of power contracts which _require_ a certain 
power draw in order to soak up that excess generation.)

Mikal