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I learned that solar PV panels lose their efficiency as they get hotter, but I also know that solar thermal collectors use water heated by the sun for use in the home. I could just use the water to cool the PV panels and then it would be heated for hot water use. I知 a genius!
The Truth:
I don稚 blame anyone for thinking this. I know I did at first, as I知 sure 90 percent of people learning about solar energy have. The truth is that the math doesn稚 work out. In order for your hot water to be sufficient for uses such a showering and washing dishes, it should be in the tank at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it would have to be 130 degrees on the roof and the solar panels would have to be 140 -150 degrees. This is a far cry from the optimal temperature of most solar PV brands at 77 degrees. So, either you値l be showering in cold water or you値l be waiting an awfully long time to get a return on those inefficient solar panels (which you値l need to combat the 140 degree temperature outside).
Mistake #2
I知 just going to install a small stand alone system to power one or two things, like the air conditioning and refrigerator.
The Truth:
AC and refrigeration...
For further details, please visit:
Solar Volts: Six Common Mistakes PV Installers Make!
The Truth:
I don稚 blame anyone for thinking this. I know I did at first, as I知 sure 90 percent of people learning about solar energy have. The truth is that the math doesn稚 work out. In order for your hot water to be sufficient for uses such a showering and washing dishes, it should be in the tank at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it would have to be 130 degrees on the roof and the solar panels would have to be 140 -150 degrees. This is a far cry from the optimal temperature of most solar PV brands at 77 degrees. So, either you値l be showering in cold water or you値l be waiting an awfully long time to get a return on those inefficient solar panels (which you値l need to combat the 140 degree temperature outside).
Mistake #2
I知 just going to install a small stand alone system to power one or two things, like the air conditioning and refrigerator.
The Truth:
AC and refrigeration...
For further details, please visit:
Solar Volts: Six Common Mistakes PV Installers Make!