Re: The Physics Behind the Spanish Blackout

On 6/10/2025 11:13 AM, bitrex wrote:

Incidentally I forgot to mention it goes without saying lots of homeowners have solar PV arrays, PV & minisplit/hybrid setups seem pretty popular

I'd suspect about 1:4 or 1:5 for PV, here.  Probably a similar number using
(cheap) solar-thermal water heating (for swimming pools).
Mini-splits are really only used in commercial spaces or garages.  Most
homes have very "open" floorplans (less compartmentalized space and
considerably larger continuous spaces) and were built with central HVAC.
The ductless minisplits are regarded as eyesores in living spaces ("Do I
want to live in a hotel room?").
Ducted minisplits are equally inappropriate owing to how the ductwork is
typically designed; getting a return for each unit often would require
considerable remodeling.
It is unfortunate as one should be able to use solar PV to power *sequenced*
minisplits without ever needing the utility to support the peak load
that central HVAC imposes!
[Construction has historically been "cheap", here.  Poorly insulated windows,
too much glass, no attic spaces, no basements, etc.  So, there are limited
opportunities to make significant improvements without a major commitment.
(And, of course, the next generation homeowners are stuck with the legacy
problems from the previous generation owners...)]
[[I'm waiting for the gummit to subsidize a plan to repurpose/remove
swimming pools given the waste associated with them -- and the risks
(insurance) attendant!]]