Thread by @ikirigin

Related tech idea: solar propane.

- Remote locations are expensive to service with powerlines
- Most already have tanks for gas like propane
- Most have ample space

Create a box to convert atmospheric CO2 to propane using excess solar.

https://twitter.com/ikirigin/status/1362912640524161029

Does the math work at all?

We can check by estimating how much solar we'd need to match the energy released in burning methane.
P(watts) = Energy(Joules) / time (seconds)

52 kJ/g * 761kg (in 400 gal tank) / 1500 sun hours =
7.3kW system.

Solar fits in 20X20 square

You'd probably want more than this in a personal solar farm anyway, but the match checks out for roughly the power you'd need.

Design the system so your winter peak daily usage is met, keep battery storage for night, and use propane for long term storage.

100% off grid.

Why bother with gas for storage?

Because winter in remote areas makes solar untenable. A week without sun is normal. January can be 10% of July for solar.

But also don't need to replace gas appliances (home heating, range, water heater, gas. fireplace, generator...)

I don't know nearly enough about chemical engineering.

It seems like the hardest part here is building the electric to gas conversion that is power efficient and unit cost efficient.

If you know more, email me: [e-mail]