Off the grid living

[GlueGuy]

Siemens is the largest manufacturer, and they also have the longest warranty. They claim 25 years of use from their very popular 75 watt panels. Everybody that has solar around here uses the Siemens; people have tried the others and have not been happy.

 

[hayden]

What haven't they been happy about? I picked Solarex (now BP Solar) for their appearance.

 

[GlueGuy]

I don't know all the particulars, but apparently all solar panels degrade in output as they get older. The Siemens panels still put out about 80% at over 20 years, which is apparently very good. Other panels degrade faster (or farther).

 

[benewton]

All things degrade as they get older: trust me on this one!

A further comment on home electricals seems in order...

Having purchased, wired, and, thanks to power failures, tested, the dual SW4024's, I have to say that I'd
have been better served to have gone directly to the 48 VDC (or greater) systems. Since I've decided to build a "normal" home on self generated power, I've got to plan on our "normal" 18 KWH/day.

You can't compromise on the power you desire in either storage or generation, but you could save a good amount of treasure and time with the smaller cables of the higher voltage system. Easier to find, cheaper to purchase, and a much easier to work with, if, by chance, I have to do this again, I know where I'm heading.