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I have had my system for 10 years. They do lose power over time. I have noticed a decease in efficiency. Again, just make sure you have a reputable company that has been in service a long time. I would look for a local company.
Look at the figures....how much money will you save if you purchase the system, taking in the fact that you will have to pay for the basic charges. And figure in the fact that the panels will have to be replaced at some point, and the cost of that.
I paid a lot for my system because at the time, the larger system was necessary. It isn't anymore and I'm giving away half of my power to neighbors or my electric company confiscates it and resells it for their profit. That's why my advise is to get a battery backup.
I have a friend that generates so much more than he needs he gives away to his neighbor as well.
Having a battery backup on LI makes no sense unless you really want it for power outages. They still have 20 years of net metering. So the utility acts as your power bank. I pull from the grid everyday at night. I never have to pay as my credits just keep accumulating and rolling over. Ex last months bill I was negative 137kw/h they subtracted that from my credit bank and I paid $17 for the connections fees and maybe 20c in taxes and fees. The 20 year deal will probably end this year but if you have it you’re grandfathered in.
Trying to understand as I find this confusing. If the power is out (Sandy-like event) do you still have full electric to the house because of the panels, or are you drawing your power from back up batteries?
Trying to understand as I find this confusing. If the power is out (Sandy-like event) do you still have full electric to the house because of the panels, or are you drawing your power from back up batteries?
You must have batteries to have power in an outage. If you don't there is no where to store power and your power goes out like anyone else.
You must have batteries to have power in an outage. If you don't there is no where to store power and your power goes out like anyone else.
Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. If I understood correctly: one has to be connected to a live grid to use solar power. If the power is out they need a battery back up.
You must have batteries to have power in an outage. If you don't there is no where to store power and your power goes out like anyone else.
Not wrong but not right.
Ppl live off grid with solar and still have power without batteries...with the intent add batteries later.
Power is cut as a fail safe, it is in the design of the system so those working on the power lines dont get electricuted when the system sends extra power back to the grid.
Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. If I understood correctly: one has to be connected to a live grid to use solar power. If the power is out they need a battery back up.
Correct
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