Elviscaretaker
Gold Member
I researched solar for a while, read the manufactures literature on how they claimed the equipment would perform and the expected degradation schedules on the various ones. There really is getting to be less buying options as companies have left the field. Based on the research I've done, micro inverter systems have less fall out due to a single panel degrading vs the single inverter system you have. A single panel on a single inverter system can cause the whole system to way under produce while the micro inverter system can still work near peak efficiency. Not that I really trust what the manufactures say so I've also talked and have been show how multiple systems are working in reality. One is based in Washington under less than ideal conditions, another in Arizona and then Idaho in what is considered ideal situations. Another an older system in Washington in a more open area. All fixed mount, all have underperformed so far. Being newer installs we'll see how the do in the peak season. Then I've used solar in the past for attic vents, gate and fence chargers, generators and have been disappointed with the results so I tend to carry a jump box with me in the winter just in case the batteries didn't charge. For ME, I've decided the best system would be a gimble mounted micro inverter ground based system. Then I looked into the the costs and it will not ever break even. If I do it myself it might but then I have grid tie issues with the local UD. So, the path I've chosen is efficiency. I average 3300kwh a month, sometimes up to 5000kwh if the temp drops low enough. Somethings I can change like my high powered lot lights and bringing this old barn conversion up to current specs. Others such at tank heaters and the greenhouse, not much you can do and still have them do the work required. I can go onto wind also and the benefit's of turbine vs blade but this is long already AND most likely boring. Besides, break time is over and I need to get out into the fields and emit some greenhouse gases to keep the greening of the world moving along. Also gives the cows a work out as they follow me around for hours Either way, I do like hearing how others systems have preformed vs what I research and see.....Not sure where you are getting this. There are most definitely differences in panel and inverter manufacturers, efficiencies and degradation over time.
My system is way less than ideal because it is roof mounted. Not a perfect angle, not a perfect direction and some shade from tall oaks at certain times. Nonetheless, 20MWh over 12months on a 15kw system (15kw panels and 15kw inverter, I’d prefer a bit more on the panel side to make up for inefficiencies and increase area under production curve, but just don’t have the room on that roof, 42 panels east up half of my 40x50 shop roof pretty completely).