Comment The Devil is in the details. (Score 1) 104
This is probably not a benefit to the homeowner, but whether it is depends on the pricing.
Batteries degrade with each charge/discharge cycle. Putting a battery in your home is an expensive proposition, and it will eventually have to be replaced. The initial cost of purchase, eventual replacement, and the environmental impact of recycling (hopefully) or disposal (realistically) of the dead battery must be considered.
Knowing PG&E's track record, and that of California in general, I will NOT consent to this without a full, detailed breakdown of the usage and compensation. Even then, they must earn a degree of trust that neither PG&E nor the state of California has earned. Any agreement with either entity is worthless if they won't abide by it. And they won't, you can be sure. Been there... Fool me once...
Why would I spend thousands of dollars on a capital expense, only to allow PG&E to use it for pennies? Not happening in my home. Show me the benefit, and I will consider it. As long as its voluntary, then fine. I don't volunteer. But the inevitable moment it ceases to be voluntary? Trust me, it will! Unless we push back massively.
Technically, this is a wonderful idea. I would support it eagerly, if I trusted them not to screw over the participants. But... Well, I don't! So, include me OUT!