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Anyone here knows how effective are solar panels?

submitted by sguevar to AskGoats 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 20:49:05 ago (+5/-0)     (AskGoats)

I am considering getting some to put on the roof of my house once it is built.

I was wondering if anyone here had any recommendations?


37 comments block

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[ - ] FreeinTX 2 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:33:45 ago (+2/-0)

It's an expensive back-up.

Panels last 7 years max and degrade from day one. They will lie and say they last 10 years and never mention the degrade over time.

Same with the batteries if you go the way of 24 hour back up power supply. Look at EV batteries forv example. 7-10 years max, and at end of life have 30-40% of their original capacity. It's almost a linear degrade over time. Also a massive fire hazard.

The grid is far less expensive, more economical, and more dependable.

Solar is great for a backup, but no good for primary power.

[ - ] sguevar [op] 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:38:18 ago (+1/-0)

Oh yeah, I want them for back up to the grid not main power source. Didn't know they were a fire hazard.

Thanks for the info.

[ - ] FreeinTX 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:46:19 ago (+1/-0)

The batteries are not the solar panels. Even conventional batteries are an explosive hazard and the lithium batteries, if they ignite, have to burn themselves out at intense temperatures.

The solar panels, made in the US/Canada, are quality stuff but they are pricey. If energy prices remained high, they could figure out how to get 10 years of life, without too much degrade, they would be dollar for dollar competitive with the grid. Unfortunately, we are nowhere near those numbers.

[ - ] sguevar [op] 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 22:14:21 ago (+0/-0)

Thanks, I appreciate the input

[ - ] FreeinTX 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 22:39:18 ago (+0/-0)

I looked into solar for backup as well. I'm building a 600 square foot living space and want a solar power back up. It's just so pricey for such limited benefit.

[ - ] ruck_feddit 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 23:57:46 ago (+0/-0)

7 year lifespan resulting in 30% output is retarded. This is not the norm. They do degrade over time, but nothing close to the 10% per year he's claiming. I have neighbors with arrays older than that in fine working order. Look it up yourself.

You didn't mention batteries, but he's right about batteries. It's better to look at their lifespan in cycles instead of age, but they do degrade as he described.

Panels are completely worth it if the price is right. Forget the batteries (you didn't mention in the first place) for a nice generator on sale and 4-5 gas cans.

[ - ] usedoilanalysis 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 07:00:52 ago (+0/-0)

Get a decent gas generator, if you maintain it, it will be reliable. Just make sure it has enough capacity.

[ - ] binrobinrro 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 23:39:51 ago (+0/-0)

They easily last 30 years or more.

[ - ] FreeinTX 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 26, 2022 06:35:30 ago (+0/-0)

No they do not. Read the reviews of actual panel owners.

[ - ] Zinnsee 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 06:07:40 ago (+1/-0)

I run a solar setup on my house for nearly 2 years now and am very happy with it. In January I could put my geothermal heat pump into operation. Now I produce my own electricity, warm water and heating. And since the end of April I'm 100% self-sufficient. Not only that, I even produce more electricity than I need, so I can sell the excess. My system is capable of isolated operation. So if there's a black out I'll be able to run my whole house. Important for fridge and freezer.
It's not a cheap investment but especially now that we have this man made energy crisis in Europe it gives me a very good feeling. Also now I won't mind if energy prices go up since I'll get paid more for the electricity I sell.

[ - ] Hobama 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 20:24:14 ago (+0/-0)

How deep did you have to go for geothermal?

[ - ] Zinnsee 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 26, 2022 02:16:01 ago (+0/-0)

300 meters (328 yards)

[ - ] AryanPrime 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 00:21:54 ago (+1/-0)

scalar energy

All I will say

[ - ] binrobinrro 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 23:44:45 ago (+0/-0)

Order this catalog: https://backwoodssolar.com/ It's a free paper catalog.

Keep it next to your toilet and read through it. You'll learn a lot (sounds like you need to - no offense) Then read through it again. Stop taking your phone into the bathroom.

[ - ] sguevar [op] 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 23:49:31 ago (+0/-0)

Thanks, no offense taken. I am a nooblet about this subject.

However wife snd I have decided to do that investment once the house is expanded when our fam grows. So we can plan the expansion with a specific room for the batteries.

Will keep this in mind for sure.

Thanks again.

[ - ] Her0n 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:42:03 ago (+1/-0)

Solar sucks for various reasons.

You're better off learning how to build electrolyzers and running generators off hydrogen gas.

Maybe radiant energy collection is more your speed if the electrolyzed hydrogen gas fueled generator seems simple to you.

[ - ] AugustineOfHippo2 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 11:51:12 ago (+0/-0)

Thanks for asking the question, as I am curious as well.
My research into this has led me to believe that if you get quality equipment (panels, batteries, inverters, etc.) then the power output and reliability are good, but the buy-in cost is really high. Skimping on the quality up front and your reliability and longevity are in serious question.
If you can get subsidies, it may be worth it.

[ - ] CPU 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 02:53:48 ago (+0/-0)

Perhaps buy one or two surplus panels from a former solar farm and see how they output.

[ - ] observation1 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 20:57:31 ago (+0/-0)

Get Canadian made or US made. There's also LG which I think is Korea

[ - ] sguevar [op] 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:18:23 ago (+0/-0)

Do you know how much power they generate?

[ - ] Her0n 2 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:42:35 ago (+2/-0)

Never enough, and they only get worse at generation over time.

[ - ] lord_nougat 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 20:54:44 ago (+0/-0)

Get American made ones.

[ - ] bosunmoon 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 20:53:44 ago (+0/-0)

Don't. They're retarded just like every other new wave free energy bullshit.

[ - ] sguevar [op] 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:01:59 ago (+0/-0)

Why are you saying they are retarded? Price vs Cost reduction in electric bill not worth it?

[ - ] Her0n 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 21:46:58 ago (+1/-0)

Potential to burn down your house, every five years you'll need to have them replaced along with your house battery. Nevermind the visit you'll need from repairmen after most storms and days with temps higher than 95F.

If the gov is willing to give you money for having/doing it, then that thing is probably bad for you or others around you.

[ - ] sguevar [op] 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 24, 2022 22:14:02 ago (+1/-0)

Thank very much for the info.

[ - ] Sector7 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 02:39:30 ago (+0/-0)

Nevermind the visit you'll need from repairmen after most storms and days with temps higher than 95F.

If you choose to live in a hellish location, you have bigger issues to focus on.

[ - ] Her0n 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 05:10:38 ago (+0/-0)

You've never had a lightning storm or hot day where you live?

[ - ] Sector7 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 12:47:24 ago (+0/-0)

I see/hear thunder and lightning maybe once every couple years. Only rains on occasion during the 4 non-freezing winter months. Summer days average 76F, with summer nights around 55F. Might get up near 90F a couple times. California coast.

But I used to live in the north, east, and south of the eastern US, so I do remember those horrific environmental conditions.

[ - ] Her0n 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 12:50:07 ago (+1/-0)

Cold days damage the solar panels too. The things are very fragile to be quite honest.

I don't think they are going to be any good on a planet. I think solar is only cost effecient off planet

[ - ] Sector7 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 14:49:13 ago (+0/-0)

My dad had solar panels on his roof for 20 years or so. But for hot water, not electricity. A black surface under glass absorbs a ton of heat from the sun, and seems very efficient. A bit of electricity for the pumps, and you're good.

[ - ] Her0n 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 15:33:42 ago (+0/-0)

Solar panels in the context we were talking about (generation of DC electricity) suck ass

Using solar radiation to heat something like as water is very effecient, but that wasn't the type of solar energy utilization we were talking about.

[ - ] diggernicks 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 14:52:37 ago (+0/-0)

You are a weak niglet

You willingly support a shit tier unamerican regime with your tax $ because of the weather

You fail at existence

[ - ] Sector7 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 15:23:38 ago (+0/-0)

What makes you think I've "paid taxes"? I bet you're asking because that's what you do...

And it's not 'just' the weather. But I still get a good chuckle from people who criticize places they know nothing about.

[ - ] diggernicks 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 15:30:28 ago (+0/-0)

What do you do for a living?

Why would you willingly live in a hell hole?

Enlighten us o great and mighty faggot

[ - ] Sector7 0 points 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 17:41:14 ago (+0/-0)*

I don't do anything for a living anymore. Before that, I had private businesses that were no business of the state or the feds. To be fair, they did used to send me stacks of bitchy letters claiming I "owed them taxes", but haven't seen any of those since the early 2000s

Why would you willingly live in a hell hole?

Haha, okay tell me what types of hell you believe I'm experiencing here on the California coast.

[ - ] GoatWarVet 1 point 2.7 yearsAug 25, 2022 00:12:31 ago (+1/-0)

A hidden cost they carry is that solar panels on a roof will significantly increase the cost of replacing your roof. That is something to account for that most people don't.