844 karma · joined February 16, 2011
brendan@sinceresoftware.co • https://bloudermilk.com/
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For what it’s worth, the scenario you describe is basically how the state of the art home systems work in the markets that support them. Distributed generation (via solar), energy storage (via batteries), and bidirectional grid connections for feeding surplus energy to the grid. Some companies even aggregate homes to act as a virtual power plant which can be dispatched on demand. There is a ton of interesting stuff happening in this area, I hope you find an opportunity that suits you!
[0] https://climatescape.org/categories/energy [1] https://projectdrawdown.org
If you really do want to operate a business generating electricity, start by learning how the power market operates in your area. Unless you live off-grid with a high degree of autonomy, you're likely to find that there are zero opportunities for an individual to enter this market on their own. Providing stable power to the grid requires unbelievable amounts of capital, planning, compliance, person-hours, and way too many other elements to list here.
If what you're actually interested in is generating electricity for yourself or your community, the good news is this is much more approachable. Developing and operating small-scale off-grid renewable energy system for a small home is achievable with off-the-shelf components and a basic understanding of electronics. You'll still want an electrician to validate and perhaps perform some of the work, but it's all pretty basic.
If what you're actually interested in is spearheading a renewable energy campaign for a large community currently dependent on other forms of power, take a look at community solar programs and energy cooperatives. Both are in practice all over the US.
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth,_fifth,_and_sixth_der...
https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_ibonds_gl...
https://www.crunchbase.com/funding_round/cloudflare-series-d...
* My partner told her employer right away and they were unbelievably supportive throughout the process, giving her PTO, understanding when she wasn't able to perform 100%, and always encouraging her to put her dad first. Not all employers are this great, but you may be surprised by how yours reacts
* We all practiced being in the moment, doing our best to enjoy each moment, especially the little things (e.g. lunch outside in the sun)
* There were ups and downs in his treatment and every "up" was an excuse to spend as much quality time together as possible
* We temporarily moved to be closer to him, both to help provide care and to spend as much with him as we could
I don't know where you are in your career or what constraints you might have, but if you can afford it my advice to you is to put your mother first always. Be transparent with your employer, ask for their support, and don't put up with any bullshit if it comes your way.