Tidal is not available all the time but at least it's predictable.

Once we have enough tidal generators spread around the coast, it will be
available all the time.



Malcolm

Indeed, for a relatively small island we are lucky with the range of tide times.

It's worth making the point that most SolarPV generation does not appear in any official generation statistics. I'm not just talking about individual houses, where there is normally just a total production meter for the FIT, the export is simply not measured, or even off grid production, but even quite large systems.

Take a look at http://www.theoldehouse.co.uk/page/solar_energy.html I know the family who run the farm and have been there a number of times. They have a largish farm (by Cornish standards) quite a large number of holiday cottages, leisure centre with pool & hot tub. So their power usage is substantial.

The have a 250kw SolarPV system which generates about 250,000kwh per annum.
Being a farm and holiday complex which is busiest in summer, much of this is used on site, only a small proportion is exported, but it is only the small proportion exported which gets in the statistics. The panels also provide useful shelter for the sheep. There are many such setups in Cornwall, going through the County it's surprising how many farms now make use of SolarPV.

No land has been taken out of agricultural use, the panels also provide useful shelter for the sheep.


Graham
Penzance