Quote:
Originally Posted by Parlay Slow
thread is not off to a good start
Not really, but it's picking up now, don't you think?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ShipDaSherb
What kind of maintenance is needed for a home system and what are the costs like for that?
The modules themselves should not need any service other than cleaning. In most cases, dirt will cause about 5-10% decrease in power and most people just live with the modules being dirty. Modules are generally warrantied for 80% of rated power in 25 years.
The inverter, which converts the DC power to AC and connects to the grid (in a grid tied system - which is the vast majority going in now) will probably have a 10 year warranty, maybe 15 for some. Usually no maintenance there either, but replacement at some time.
We've replaced a few inverters under warranty. A few modules have had some burning on the cells, they still worked fine, but the manufacturer replaced them. A cable pulled out of one other modules. One job got replaced as part of a recall, but that system worked fine.
Inverter replacement cost? Well that could be from $1500 and up depending on the inverter, but by the time the warranty is out I really expect the inverter prices to be no more than 1/2 what they are now.
Cleaning cost? $100+ depending on who is doing it, what kind of roof, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben Young
how much would it cost to power my house year-round, if that's possible? does anyone do this, and if so, what do you need to take into account about location?
thoughts on wind power?
Most installations are grid-tied, so you get credit for power generated when you produce more than you use and you can still draw whatever power you need from the utility. This means you don't have to store power and you also size the system to provide your average use, not your highest use.
A stand-alone off grid system has to provide enough power for you on the darkest winter days and if that system produces more than you need during the rest of the year, you probably won't have anything to do with that extra power.
The cost of your system will vary a ton based on how much power you use and where you are located. In the sunniest part of the US there's about twice as much sunlight as the least sunny part (continental US, not counting the arctic), so it would take twice as big a system to produce the same energy. If you give me more details, I can give you a ballpark, and yes, lots of people generate as much electrical energy as they use.
Wind power is cool, but I'm in an urban area and it's not really viable. I have heard mixed things about big wind farms though. I installed a PV (photovoltaic) system on a guys house who buys power for a public utility. He said they buy power from some big wind farms in Texas and they can go a month or so with almost no power because of lack of wind. I'd love to install a wind system though, but it'd have to be out in the desert where small wind systems are somewhat common I reckon.