its solar installation day

[rdking647]

hopefully by the end of the day ill be getting a good chunk of my energy from the sun

[RKP5637]

1. K&R!!! Just a question, how long do solar panels last, do they have to be replaced on

some type of maintenance schedule? Just wondering. Thanks!

[rdking647]

4. they have a 25 year warranty

they are guaranteed to provide power at 70% of capacity for 25 years although from what ive heard in reality they last longer.
i figure in 25 years ill wont be in this house anyway since ill be in my late 70's then

[RKP5637]

6. That's great! Thanks for the info. n/t

[NYC_SKP]

7. Typical guarantee is to be producing 95% of spec after 25 years.

They degrade slowly and could last a lot longer than the 25 years, but would become weaker.

Now inverters, on the other hand, might need replacement in 10 years, but the technology is improving all the time.

[RKP5637]

9. Waaaay better than the early tears. This is quite impressive! n/t

[ChisolmTrailDem]

8. Actually, most a guaranteed to perform up to 80% of capacity in 25yrs. Most continue producing power

for many years afterwards.

Here are a few case studies Kyocera highlighted in its recent article on the matter:

• In 1984, Sweden’s first grid-connected photovoltaic system was built in Stockholm. Since its installation, the façade-mounted 2.1kW system has been continuously and reliably providing the residents of an apartment building with environmentally-friendly electricity. The modules’ average annual power generation performance is still reliable — with no significant change since the system was installed 27 years ago.


• Also in 1984, Kyocera established its Sakura Solar Energy Center just outside of Tokyo. At the time, the Center was equipped with a 43kW solar power generating system which to this day continues to generate a stable amount of power for the facility.


• In 1985, Kyocera made a donation of a 10kW solar power generation system to a small farming village with no electrical infrastructure located at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft) in Gansu Province, China. In 1993, the area received electrical infrastructure, and the solar modules were moved to a regional research facility for clean energy, where after more than 25 years, they are still producing consistent levels of electricity.

And...

http://pureenergies.com/us/how-solar-works/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/

According to Andy Black at the PG&E solar class at the Pacific Energy Center, some of the very first solar panels made back in the ’70s are still pumping out power up in Northern California after 40 years, and they’re still at about 80% of their original power ratings.

So, it's a sound investment both for home resale value and if you plan to stay in your home your whole life.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Awesome! Grid-tied? How big-- 4 kW? 6 kW?

Some states tie refunds to your utility bill, which in California required that installations not serve 100% of demand.

This is, in effect, a disincentive to build larger systems- many or most being 80% of what was needed to be grid tied.

Of course, whatever power you aren't getting from the sun (after studying your first full year of production and consumption) can be saved by behavior changes and further conservation measures.

Have fun and congrats!

[rdking647]

3. ita a 7kw system

grid tied
no rebates from my utility coop so i just get the 30% federal tax credit

[Tikki]

5. As more and more make this same post...

We are progressive, smart and penny wise...

Congratulations....


Tikki