How long do photovoltaic modules last?
Photovoltaic modules last for over 25 years. Most modules
come with a 25 year warranty. Keeping in mind that most
modules are only actively working 6 to 8 hours a day, they should
easily be able to work to or past a 25 year period.
What maintenance is needed for an installed solar system?
Solar modules have no moving
parts, which makes them almost maintenance free. All that is
needed is to keep them clean. In some California
counties the solar modules may become dusty. If
modules do become dirty or become targets for birds they may
not provide optimal performance. In this
case, simply hose them down with water. Never hose them down when they
are hot after
being exposed to the sun. The best times of the day are early
morning or evening when the modules are cool..
What happens on cloudy days?
On days that are cloudy or raining,
your modules may not produce as much electricity. On
these days electricity is supplemented by your local utility company in the same
way you would use power without a photovoltaic system.
Southern California's sunny weather makes it the ideal
location to install a solar panel system. Because
California offers you a credit for days your system creates an over abundance of power
(net-metering) you may not have to pay for the power you use
from your local electric company on cloudy days.
What is Net-Metering?
Net-Metering is when a residential consumer receives a
credit for the excess electricity that is generated by the solar
system which is fed into the local utility grid. These
credits can be used by the consumer when the solar system
isn’t producing enough electricity as seen during the winter
months, cloudy days or even evenings.
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