End Of Life Solar

[Tim The Enchanter]

When they say lifetime warranty, you need to find out whose (or whats) lifetime they are talking about.

It could be like that cartoon I can't find.
Guy goes to return small appliance with lifetime warranty.
Clerk tells him yes it does have a lifetime warranty, sorry to hear that sir.
Go out back with Vito, and he will take it from here.

 

[techbiker]

What part of the solar system is broken? I doubt the entire system has failed. Who determined this? Solar systems are usually pretty simple.

$10 says that the system can be repaired at a reasonably low cost. My guess is part of the power storage/charging system has failed. Were the solar panels damaged by hail, wind, or water?

If I were in the area, I would be happy to grab my multimeter and check out the system (assuming it is safe and legal). Does the owner have a service manual?

 

[Renee Healion]

Besides Techbiker's remarks, the idea of hanging your appraisal on the buyer agent's claim that an entire system does not work is risky. Why not get some more reliable documentation of that claim? Just consider how the OP or any of us would rely on one advocate's claim of such a defect in another system. That is why I like Restrain's post too, especially his #1.

The warranty on inverters is for a shorter period than the panels'. Replacement of a shorter-lived component would be expected or foreseeable, depending on where you're standing.

 

[TRESinc]

If I were in the area, I would be happy to grab my multimeter and check out the system. Does the owner have a service manual?

were you an actual appraiser you would not. we are not there to run diagnostics on utility systems, they are either working or they are not.

 

[George Hatch]

The larger point is that these systems do have parts just like any other appliance and some of those parts may have shorter lifespans than others.

 

[Meandering]

Yes, much of the documentation states that some parts do not last as long as the panels, and that there was a massive recall of many inverters. But with any "growing" technology, doesn't mean replacement parts are available for your system anymore.

Anybody got a 5 3/4 inch floppy drive for the one that went bad in my other computer?

How about a 256k hard drive?

Just cause there are newer options, doesn't mean they work with older equipment.

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[George Hatch]

Good point.

 

[Carnivore]

OOOO! I see a possible business opportunity here. Hmmmm Call me 1-800-ScrapPV . No Charge for P/U. Paying one dollar per pound

 

[techbiker]

Yes, much of the documentation states that some parts do not last as long as the panels, and that there was a massive recall of many inverters. But with any "growing" technology, doesn't mean replacement parts are available for your system anymore.

Anybody got a 5 3/4 inch floppy drive for the one that went bad in my other computer?

How about a 256k hard drive?

Just cause there are newer options, doesn't mean they work with older equipment.

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I have a couple 5-1/4" floppy drives and a couple 1980's HDDs. There are many available on Ebay. If the inverter is dead I suspect you can find a replacement, even if it means buying one used (unless the system was in very limited production). I'd prefer to upgrade to the latest and greatest, but probably not if it means massive spending on roof repairs.

I'd probably nurse the system along as-is until a roof replacement is in order. Then just remove and recycle the solar equipment.

 

[Meandering]

I'd probably nurse the system along as-is until a roof replacement is in order. Then just remove and recycle the solar equipment.

Sure,
sounds fun, when you're talking computers,

But not when you're talking outdoor electricity on the roof and a major potential for a fire hazard.

While I'm willing to say that there are very few homeowners that understand diodes and might be able to repair or re-bulld a bad inverter on their own, if Radio Shack is still selling diodes........

I'm also willing to say there are so very few people who either fall into that category, or, deem themselves competent enough, or think that undertaking such, would not void the warranties on the rest of the parts, nor that their homeowner's insurance would look so kindly upon it.

But I question where you think "used" parts would come from when these things were supposed to last 20+ years???

Someone collecting solar panel scraps in the hurricane and fire zones and reselling the parts???

Don't buy a used car in Houston if there are water stains on the seats for the same reason, but how do you know if the parts were floating around Puerto Rico before you buy them? Just because they are not dripping water when you buy them, doesn't mean they weren't scooped out of the mud someplace else.

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