New slant on solar :)- Zero

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyDiver

Just reviewing this choice from 5 years ago. I was finally capable of given the panels a wash last week. Crutches and wheel chairs did not work for the roof [biggrin] Its raining a bit so not out for a walk yet [thumbsupbig]

27.721 MWh is showing as total solar yield on the home Inverter. Its a little above 6000kWh per year solar power from the sun.

Using a cost per KW at (work) of $0.28842 per kWh saving me a bit over $1700 every year. The two systems I put at work and home cost me after a few credits just shy of 10K each, The 27.721 MWh total is my home. Work is much likely to be higher for three reasons happily. As it has had new inverter to enable full off grid when the grid fails at times I do not have the exact total there sadly. I sold my work sunnyboy inverter. Its still working cheerfully. Paid back fully [thumbsupbig]

I use over 80% of my power so I am not talking about you subsidizing me. Feedin credits do not give this number unless your under the really odd old FIT system where everyone else pays more to pay for you. Good luck to you if you have it [biggrin]

As my systems are now free and have perhaps 20 years life left I have a choice- Some new panels are more than 100% more efficient and deal with shade and dirt much better. Just tossing up the idea of either adding as many Q.MAXX-G2 345-360 or 400w SunPower Maxeon3 or similar that fit in any spare space I have or selling QPRO265-G4 x 20 (or 40 inc work) (PM me if your interested)

I suspect payback time is sub 2 years with the much higher wattage and efficiency now. I am looking at now for work at first with the tax deductions possibly making it silly not to as the 2 years ROI is more likely just over a year if I factor that in.

The prices now compared to 5 years ago is SO cheap.

I'd wait until sometime next year, when the new 500watt panels come out.
Also, you may have to fully reconfigure the racking system to fit newer larger panels, also string configurations for wiring of the inverters.
Plus no rebates, so will be costly unfortunately

Thanks

I read an artical the other day suggesting new installation might be made to face panels to the East and west instead of north facing.

As more move to solar they said they’ll have too much power generated by solar during the day....they will need more solar power early morning and late afternoon when it’s peak usage time in the burbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern

I'd wait until sometime next year, when the new 500watt panels come out.
Also, you may have to fully reconfigure the racking system to fit newer larger panels, also string configurations for wiring of the inverters.
Plus no rebates, so will be costly unfortunately

Happily looking at your suggestion. I have seen some of the 500w panels. The work cost R.O.I. makes it very easy. Home needs a bit more thought.