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Sun Volt Solar Blog

earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment with a higher return on investment for your hard earned money. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

How long do Solar Systems last?

26 Jul 08 | Solar Electric, Solar Hot Water

That is a very common question. The answer is, it depends. Solar systems, like all other mechanical systems require some maintenance. Last week, I came across a solar hot water drain back system that was 28 years old. The great thing is, it was still working just like the day it was installed. The only problem the home owner had encountered was a bad circulator pump, which the plumber replaced.

Properly installed drain back solar hot water systems using distilled water could, in theory, last almost indefinitely. Solar Hot water systems that use antifreeze will likely last only 30 years or so. Still, that is a great payback. For either system, over the course of its operational life, it should easily pay for it self 4 to 5 times over.

Photovoltaics are said to last 25 years however, their output slowly declines over time. After 25 years, most current photovoltaic panels will be producing about 80% of their rated power. Still, that is not bad, and a well designed photovoltaic system should pay for itself at least two to three times over its operational life (with current incentives).

The advantages of renewable energy systems, for those that are in it for the long haul, are:

  1. Stabilizes energy prices at or below their current levels, gives the property owner more control over expenses.
  2. Increases the property value of the residence or building they are installed on.
  3. Reduces emissions and environmental pollutants from nearby electrical plants.
  4. Reduces overall electrical load on grid, thus reducing the need for more power plants and high tension distribution lines.
  5. Spreads out electrical generation capacity, thus making it more difficult for any one catastrophic event to cause a regional blackout (distributed generation).
  6. Reduces the use of fossil fuels and thus dependence on other countries to provide energy for us.

As you can see, there are many advantages to a solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, or microhydro system

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26 Jul 08 | Solar Electric, Solar Hot Water
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Reader's Comments

  1. Solar | August 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    That is some good information on Solar Water Heating System. I think I would like to mention 2 things, which will help increase the awareness of Solar energy and Solar water Heating systems.
    What a lot of us dont know is that these Solar Water Heating systems are so east to install and can be mounted on to our existing water Heating tanks. There are a wide range of” DO IT YOURSELF” kits available and also the new design of Solar Panel are not only asthetically pleasing but also light weight and available in many colors to match the roof.
    Also with the rising oil prices, the State, federal and local utilites are offering a desireable amount of tax rebates, credits and incentives to promote the usage of renewable energy. This information is available on http://www.dsireusa.org
    Go Solar Guys!!! Let the Yellow,and Become GREEN. Help Save our PLANET.

  2. buyun | August 20th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    thank you



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