With all the hype about the solar rebate it is important that people do their homework.
For instance did you know that:
a) A 150W panel will not produce averaged over a year more than 1kWh/day = 365 kWh/year (in an optimal ideal location such as a solar farm in the desert)
b) A 150 W panels costs about $1200 (not including installation costs or rebate)
c) 365 kWhr/year is about $70/ year at today's peak-rate electricity prices
d) A 1.5kW (10 panel) system reduces your electric bill the same amount as a 300L (4 person) solar hot water system (but the HWS is at least 1/3rd the cost)
e) Energy output for PV is markedly reduced on cloudy days or if the unit is in frequent shade
f) Power output drops 2-5% for every 10 degree in temperature (best sun = summer = hot roof). It is important for the panels to be well ventilated.
g) Each panel will take at least 15 years to pay off (if not considering the above factors)
h) Most good panels will have a average useful life 25-30 years
i) Most manufacturers state there is a 20% loss in power output expected after 25 years
j) Much of technology being currently used has been the same since the early 90s. But there are multiple avenues taken in solar cell technology. New manufacturing methods will render more of these technologies redundant. This is evolving rapidly.
k) Currently PV panels are at $5-10 per watt but it is speculated that the next decade they may be a fifth of the price.
l) If you took put $1000 in a bank at 6% interest for 15 years it would be worth $2800 dollars (while you are still paying off your panel in savings)
m) More energy savings (and reduction in emissions) would probably be achieved with good weatherseals, new ceiling insulation and a solar hot water system then from $10000 invested in solar panels.
Is installing PV now the best thing for you and the environment?
