[Greenbuilding] Photovoltaic Life Expectancy

[J Messerschmidt]

I read in an article a few weeks ago that the  embodied energy of PV panels
is greater than they will ever produce in their lifetime.  I can't seem to
find the article for reference, but I was under the impression that it would
take 4 years of producing electricity to even out.  Does anyone have any
information on this?

John

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of
elitalking
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 10:18 AM
To: Green Building
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] Photovoltaic Life Expectancy

I found this link to answer my own question.  Other comments and sources are
welcome.

Eli

http://homepower.com/article/?file=HP118_pg12_AskTheExperts_1

PV warranties typically allow for 20 percent output degradation over the
module's 20- to 25-year warranty life. But measurements of many modules put
into service in the 1980s show that it's unusual to see even half that much
degradation. Many of those earliest modules still perform to their original
specifications. It is safe to say that modules carrying warranties of 20
years or more have a high probability of working well 30 years from now.

----- Original Message -----
From: "elitalking" <elitalking at rockbridge.net>
To: "Green Building" <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 9:42 PM
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Photovoltaic Life Expectancy


>I have been asked by a client what is reasonable expectation for life 
>expectancy of photovoltaic array.  We are considering an installation 
>similar to Gary's.
>
> http://builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/EnphasePV/Main.htm
>
> I would like to hear a discussion about durability.
>
> Thanks
> Eli
>
>
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