Desperately need advice on my PV unit

[Ricardisimo]

Hey everyone,
I paid far too much a couple of years ago for a Siemens 1Kw/h
photovoltaic array with a SunnyBoy inverter. That's not the issue, though,
since it's done and over. The problem is the return I'm getting on my
investment. I'm convinced that either the unit is not working properly or
that the local utility is ripping me off. How can I determine which, if
either, is the case? Is there anyone out there with the same, or a
comparable unit? I thank you so very much in advance.
Sincerely,
me

 

[Steve Spence]

you should have a meter on the system, or be turning your meter backwards.
that should tell you your output.


--
Steve Spence
Renewable energy and sustainable living
http://www.green-trust.org
Discuss vegetable oil and biodiesel
powered diesels at
http://www.veggievan.org/discuss/

 

[Ricardisimo]

you should have a meter on the system, or be turning your meter
backwards. that should tell you your output.

Yes, but I was hoping that someone with a comparable system could give me
some raw dollar amount. I'm getting a pittance of a credit, or so I think.
That's just it, I don't have any point of reference by which to judge. I
receive a bill every two months, and I get two credits: a line charge
credit and and usage/output credit. They both add up to about $25 and the
line credit is actually the bulk of it. It just seems ridiculously small
for what I paid for the array, and especially considering I'm in Southern
California, where the higher rates should in turn produce a higher return
for me. Why isn't it?
Thanks

 

[Anthony Matonak]

Hey everyone,
Hey,

I paid far too much a couple of years ago for a Siemens 1Kw/h
photovoltaic array with a SunnyBoy inverter. That's not the issue, though,
since it's done and over. The problem is the return I'm getting on my
investment. I'm convinced that either the unit is not working properly or
that the local utility is ripping me off. How can I determine which, if
either, is the case? Is there anyone out there with the same, or a
comparable unit? I thank you so very much in advance.

You'll need to provide more information (as noted in other replies)
to get any sensible answer. That said, a few assumptions (worth every
penny you pay me) can give you an idea.

Let's say you purchased 1 kilowatt of PV panels and a SunnyBoy. The PV
panel rating is advertising so you can't expect your panels, let alone
the entire system, to produce that in the real world. I seem to recall
that grid tied systems like this generally run about 70% into the grid
compared to their nameplate ratings. That means you can expect that at
noon on a clear day in just the right conditions you'll get around 700
Watts going into the grid and spinning your meter backwards. Let's say
you're located in Southern California where you get an average of some
5 'sun hours' (kwh/m^2/day) of light per day. This means you'll put back
into the grid some (5 x .700W =) 3.5 kWh a day on average. Let's say you
pay around 12 cents/kWh. This works out to some (3.5 x 12) 42 cents a
day or (42 x 30) $12.60 a month, more in the summer and less in the
winter. If you get billed every two months this would total out to some
($12.60 x 2) $25.20

Anthony

 

[Bob Adkins]

Wow! You're good. That's the answer, unfortunately, that I was seeking.
Crap. Oh, well... What's that bit about paving the path to hell? Sigh.

Look on the sunny side. In 25 years, your system will have paid for itself
and electrical rates will have doubled. That $25 per month will be a real
savings!

Oh, and by 5 years from now, PV panels will be much cheaper, so you can
double your system. By 30 years, you can get $50 per month real savings on
your bill. <sigh>. I guess it only pays real dividends if you factor in
feeling good about producing green power.

Bob

Remove "kins" from address to reply.

 

[Arnold Walker]

For starts.....what rate are you paying in and out with the light company.
They don't normally buy at the same rate that they selll.

 

[John Phillips]

Look on the sunny side. In 25 years, your system will have paid for itself
and electrical rates will have doubled. That $25 per month will be a real
savings!

Bob

Actually, in 25 years, the arrays, batteries, and inverters would have
to have been replaced at least once.

Regards,

John Phillips

 

[Steve Spence]

The arrays would not have to be replaced. Today's panels have 25 year
warranties, but are expected to last 50 years or more.


--
Steve Spence
Renewable energy and sustainable living
http://www.green-trust.org
Discuss vegetable oil and biodiesel
powered diesels at
http://www.veggievan.org/discuss/

 

[daestrom]

The arrays would not have to be replaced. Today's panels have 25 year
warranties, but are expected to last 50 years or more.

But the batteries may have to be replaced two or three times in 25 years.
And inverters? Well that probably depends on the care and feeding (or lack
thereof), and proximity of lightning strikes ;-)

daestrom

 

[John Phillips]

The arrays would not have to be replaced. Today's panels have 25 year
warranties, but are expected to last 50 years or more.

Your opinion is accepted but not valued.

Regards,

John Phillips

"How could they possibly be Japanese planes?"

Admiral Husband E. Kimmel