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Residual water drops will capture dust and the continuous evaporation of the water will bring more calcium residuals on the panels. Ours are currently covered in Ash particulates and dirt from the nearby fires. I will clean them once the smoke goes.
Current panel efficiency loss is around 7-10% as it heats up.
Once you go back over 40c (moments after the water evaporates) you’ve lost the gain.
Spray the underside, not sure if it's sealed against water ingress, or even if panels have IP ratings and whether they are the same top and bottom?
The pump power exceeds the gains....Quote:
Originally Posted by RANDLOVER
Only system I’ve seen that came close was panels with water cooling jackets. These were used to shed the heat from the panels by using it for a preheat on a HWS.
Nah, think I'll just ignore it. Can't be bothered.
Posting isn’t ignoring [emoji41]Quote:
Originally Posted by DiscoMick
You’re normally a very active participant. Been a long day huh?
Spent a fair part of it up on the roof replacing screws and gutterguard ahead of getting our solar upgraded.
When it got too hot I then did a couple of hours of heavy gardening.
Bit knackered so had to conk out and watch the Aussies just scrape past the Brits in the ATP cup.
So yes, it was a long day. [emoji53]
Sounds very productive! How big are you taking your system?
We are going to be adding another stand alone set up on our home once the extension is completed with another 6kw and battery storage.
Home itself is being taken off-grid and the existing system will pump direct through the meter to the grid.
Sounds good. We're going from 3.1 to 6.5 kW with a 5 kW inverter, but no batteries, so staying on the grid for now.
Wanted to replace the roofing screws in the area to be covered by the new panels, and most of the gutter guard installed by the previous owner is broken and needs replacing.
There are too many trees to defend this house in a fire, but gutter guard is still a good idea for ember control, as well as for rainwater tank quality. Also installing filters.
Disco, can you tell me what you know about batteries.Quote:
Originally Posted by DiscoMick
I've heard that they could be the "missing link" in any solar elec system, but that they are not developed enough yet. Is this true, & if so, how long do you think it will be before they are suitable for everyday use?
Pickles.
Our solar guy, who has been in the industry for about 15 years, says the costs for batteries are still too high, but are falling, and said he has personally deferred making a decision about batteries for his own home for two years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pickles2
Meanwhile, he says panels are cheap now and he recommends clients just install more panels.
The other option is to go for cheap AGM batteries, but accept they will have to be replaced in a few years.
BTW he deals in RCS panels, which he says are high quality. I searched them and they do seem to have a good reputation.
Hope that helps.