also catch fire, and do so all the time. They contain dioxin laden oil which is quite hazardous to breathe. Again, it is a matter of relative danger. Yes, batteries can catch fire, but they do so at a fraction of the rate that other fires occur in gasoline cars and conventional transformers/sub-stations/power plants.
The major reason there is so much "resistance" to the individual home solar/battery idea is that decentralizing the power grid, while quite desirable for civilization, really cuts into the profits of the utility/fossil fuel industry. That's why they do everything possible to prevent rooftop solar for individuals, while building solar farms, windmills, and huge battery storage facilities. The former makes them no money, while the latter makes them a fortune since they control it.
I have not suffered a single power outage in 10 years. My batteries keep me running when the grid fails, and my solar recharges the battery during the day. They power my home, my HVAC, and my cars. I am now paid to provide power to the grid during times of high demand, negating even the small amount of electricity I use in the Winter when the days are shorter. As more EVs come on the scene, those vehicles can perform double duty, transportation and V2H/V2G. Are there still technical and equity challenges to be worked out. Absolutely, and the billion dollar bribe Trump solicited from the fossil fuel industry just set us back a decade at least.
Can everyone use it? No, the main problem is getting it for apartment dwellers and other renters. Is it expensive? Yes, especially now that all tax credits are being eliminated. But the expense is on the same trajectory as computers and TVs, plummeting fast. In 1980, solar was $1000 per watt of capacity installed. Today it is around $3 without tax credits per watt installed. Utility grade installations are about 50¢/watt. Panels 10 years ago generated 250 watts of power each, today they produce 450 watts. The current major impediment to safe, cleaner, cheaper and more reliable electricity is our current dictator.
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