[ausev] Solar panels

[Gary Ellis]

I have a 3kW system as well and it is interesting to know that I can add to
it and continue to take advantage of the rebates.  I'll look into that -
thanks.

As for washing it, I only do it a few times a year and haven't really looked
to see if it helps the efficiency, but that is easy enough to do with
Austin's cookie-cutter weather forecasts and two back to back nice sunny
days.  My array is a big square, so I use one of those car wash brushes that
connects to a garden hose in the handle.  I don't bother with soap as I'm
just washing the dust off (mostly pollen from the trees).

Gary


On Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 9:17 AM, Josh Handel <jhandel at ktomics.net> wrote:

> 801 ;-)
>
> I'm still waiting on my inverter.
>
> Oh one thing to note is you can keep adding on to your solar system each
> year.. so you can start with 3k (then with a big enough inverter) add
> another couple of K next year and qualify for a second rebate from austin..
> At least thats what my solar guys told me.
>
> Josh
>
> On Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM, Josh Handel <jhandel at ktomics.net> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 8:07 AM, Chris Frandsen <learner at mac.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi John:
>>> I put a 3Kw system on my parents house last April when we greened it
>>> before selling(it hasn't;-(
>>> Austin rebate is great and now with the 30% federal tax credit the
>>> actually cost is only about $2100.00.
>>> It is suggested that you clean them twice a year to keep the
>>> efficiency up. Yes, you need to get on the roof. It is not a difficult
>>> job if the  roof pitch is not too bad.
>>> If it is steep I suggest hiring a window washer. The install company
>>> did not offer a maintenance contract but most items are warranties for
>>> 25 years. And they are required to service these items as part of the
>>> certification with Austin Energy!
>>>
>>> The Austin rebate program is one of the best in the country and beats
>>> the heck out of Perdenales which doesn't offer any rebate. But in 5
>>> years we have only done 800 roof tops in Austin.
>>>
>>> Good Luck!
>>> Chris F
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mar 2, 2009, at 10:10 PM, John Allen wrote:
>>>
>>> > Brian or any other group member with solar panels,
>>> >   The recent stimulus package is making solar panels even more
>>> > affordable
>>> > which my wife and I are thinking about.  I had some questions about
>>> > maintenance.   Do you clean your panels?  And how often?  Do you get
>>> > up on
>>> > the roof?  Does the installation company have a maintenance contract
>>> > available?
>>> >
>>> > Thanks,
>>> >
>>> > John
>>> >
>>> > _______________________________________________
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>>> > AusEV at austinev.org
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>>>
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>>
>>
>
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