Perpetual Innovation

Category: SolarCity

  • EV on SB2020

    EVs, aka Electric Vehicles, were the big winners of the
    Super Bowl 2020. Everybody had an electric car for the occasion. Audi and even
    a new EV version of the gas-guzzling Hummer.
    Imagine the king of EVs, Tesla,
    jumping $130 per share on Super Monday! TSLA popped 20% up to almost $800 per
    share, nearing a $150B market cap firmly – 3 times the value of GM. Then on
    Super Tuesday, Tesla jumps another $100 to reach over $900 (to $164B market
    cap). Arguably, there are a few extra factors making Tesla’s stock pop: an
    upgrade and short squeeze. Maybe a little overpriced?
    Tesla has a market share of about
    1.5%, so… it does have room to run. But only if you believe that we have
    reached an inflection point where a shift to most or all cars will be electric.
    Fortunately, the charging stations are now pretty will established.
    But, the average age of cars on
    the road today are 11 years old. Even if we move to 50% EV in 10 years, it will
    take decades for half of the cars on the road to be electric. Longer, of course,
    for trucks because they are just now starting to ship.
    Still, the trend toward EVs is
    definitive. Everyone has a few. Some auto manufactures are no longer
    introducing new gas or diesel models.
    You would think that the drop of
    oil prices (down to $50 for WTI) this week on the corona virus scare might be a
    boost to gas models?
    Related to market cap, remember
    that Tesla bought sister company Solar City so it does solar systems and
    battery banks (PowerWall). Tesla GigaFactories crank out batteries (with
    partner Panasonic). With the cost of batteries dropping, both EV and storage
    become more and more affordable. The big thing to look for in battery
    technology is the move to safer and/or more powerful technology. Big break
    throughs in battery tech – cheaper, better, lighter – will be game changing.
    Tesla stands to win in every case, old lithium or new whatever.
    I could not bring myself to buy
    Tesla stock at $200 in June; over $900 is nose-bleed levels today. But, it does
    suggest a momentum shift to EVs in our future.

  • Tesla Solar Roofs. Better, Cheaper, Stronger, Longer

    Tesla Solar | Tesla:

    Here is the information to order your roof from Tesla (that has now merged with SolarCity).

    The tempered glass tiles are much stronger, much cheaper and last long (lifetime of the house or infinity warranty, whichever comes first).

    Oh, and then there’s the PV electricity generation, above that. It is 30-years warranty on the PV, it seems.

    This is something that is called an “irrefusable” value proposition. Especially if the house (building) is new, or an older roof that should be replaced within a few years.

    Here’s how it works. Most of the roof tiles are not PV. Only 30% to 40% of the roof would be in prime solar view.  The PV panels are about $40 sq ft, but the averages should be about $22. That also depends on the sizing of the system, no need to over produce in most cases (states).

    Here’s Tesal’s Specs and Sizing Calculator.

    Apparently, from the street, you can’t tell the difference between regular and PV tiles. Top view (helicopter) view you can, although it should be far less conspicuous than the usual PV panels.

    Also, remember those 5 GigaFactories for batteries and cars going up around the worlds. Well, couple in US and next one in Europe (?UK?).

    The pricing for preorder that started in May 2017, includes an installed 14kWh Powerwall  2 system. With battery backup, they entire building could go off grid, assuming the local power company and state law allow it. A generator (fuel cell) would do the trick.

    Of course, hooking to the grid provides the opportunity to sell back to the grid and assist with peaking. This type of building can help twice with peaking.  The excess electricity during peak times (heat of the day, usually) can be sold back. The batteries can be used as well at peak. They can be replenished in off times by the PV system or during low-load off-hours by the power company.
    This idea of battery pack backup can also apply to your favorite EV car as well. Dare I say Tesla or Bold. If the car will not be used today, why not use it to help with peaking loads, if needed, as needed?

    For an existing home/building, you will want to do an energy audit and reduce the energy usage first, then size and install the roof (with power system).

    Very cool.

    This appears to be a game changer.

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