Quote from: GeorgeS on August 15, 2024, 04:05:56I think there is some confusion here.
Brand NEW they might be 'rated for %22 efficiency' and CLAIM a # for wattage output.
The REALITY IS that NOBODY EVER see's panels operate at their rated output.
SO your brand new 400W panel might be DE-RATED (due to your location AND your NOT in a science LAB) to be in reality outputting 340-360W when installed.
I think you are the one confused.
Solar panels can operate at their rated output just fine, many have seen it. The biggest reason why you usually won't is because the panels themselves advertise DC output, but what you get is AC. Ignoring the conversion losses to AC, most inverters are set up to clip peak output. Clipping results in less peak power, but allows for overall more energy from the panels.
Of course angle and, location etc also plays a role in how much you get. That said so you know a 400W panel is actually likely 402W or 401W. The rating is a guaranteed minimum for peak power
QuoteSo what your are warrantied for is 88% of the 340-360W after 25 years (~300-316W).
You are not making any point here, the end result is the same.
Quote(sadly, good luck getting a replacement. Solar companies come/go every few years)
You are thinking of solar installers, which while offering their own warranty you still have the warranty from the manufacturer many of which have been around for decades.
Even when some left like LG, they still honor the warranties.
QuoteAND YES in some areas of the world the Electric companies will PAY for the power your generating.
In some areas, but less and less do and the rates they give you are low. Most just give you credit. Overall it isn't worth it.
QuoteHOWEVER many 'solar companies' will want to charge $4-10USD per watt installation making the time in years to make enough power to pay for the solar system >15-20yrs anyway.
You mean door to door salesmen in US who rip people off? The general going rate in US from proper installers is $2-3 per watt before subsidies. Most other parts of the world pay only around $1 per watt installed before subsidies