[ausev] Solar panels

[Brian Lasseter]

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

It's true... I have a pair of 3.328kw systems using 208w Sharp
panels... Making for 6.656 kw total on my roof.  All told the city
paid me $27k to put the panels up there, and Uncle Sam paid me another
$4k.  (That was over 2 years of course.)  I've probably got room up
there for another 6 kw of solar on my roof, but I'm investing in a
Geothermal heat pump this year as my A/C is almost dead and the
stimulus bill also lifted the $2k cap on tax credits for geothermal
heat pumps.  The geothermal heat pump should cut my electric bill by
2/3rds, meaning that I will be generating more electricity than I use
(even with the electric car).

As for cleaning... I am embarrassed to say that I have never cleaned
my solar panels.  The oldest ones up on my roof are almost 2 years
old.  However I have never noticed any significant power drop off, nor
have I noticed any real difference between the power generated my
first set and my second set.  I imagine the occasional rain and hail
cleans them enough to keep my power generation well within spec.

I will take this as notice that I should go up and do that.    :-)


-- 
TTFN,
Brian "Lasso" Lasseter

"No Sane man will dance."   -Cicero (106-43 B.C.)