The truth about solar panels - do the pros outweigh the cons?

What's your take on solar? If you liked this video, be sure to check out "The truth about wind turbines - how bad are they?" https://youtu.be/WsswrLKlinU And be sure to check out my podcast where my brother I talk through some of your feedback! Still To Be Determined: stilltbd.fm/

This panel can put out close to 100 watts youtube.com/post/UgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8Fh… when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

I feel this analysis should also include some form of storage. Solar without storage is not the complete picture.

The University Of Sheffield in the UK has solar panels over 40 years old, they are still producing over 70% of their rated power. These panels were made badly compared to modern panels, so I’d say we’re looking at 40 years out of panels if you don’t mind a drop off in power. Most modern panels will stop degrading at around 80%.

Almost everyone agrees the common enemy is fossil fuels, but solar (and wind) are still useless without storage. IMO, when discussing the pros and cons of solar panels, the plan for overnight storage needs to be discussed. Furthermore, as more of our transportation fleet converts to electric over the next 20 years, overall demand for electrical energy is going to increase, but so will available storage via these vehicles. A video that discusses overnight storage, transportation fleet conversion to electric and how nuclear can have a positive part to play in reversing carbon emissions is still desired. IMO

"We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." --Native American proverb

The reduction in degradation of the roof shingles that the panels cover is also remarkable. The shingles and roof fittings under the panels I have still look almost brand new.

Thirty years ago we used a bank of 10 top grade (Arco) solar panels for our home in the Sahara Desert. Yes they worked well, especially since there was no alternative. But after 10 years in that environment they had lost 25% or more of their output. I think the talk of a 30-40 year lifespan is very optimistic. It's like the advertisements for electric cars "It will get UP TO 400 miles on a charge". But I do appreciate your analysis including the cost of manufacturing the panels vs constructing a gas or nuclear plant, and also the recycling issue.

Matt, I LOVE that you do all the research and I just have to listen. Matt Ferrell University. Another great video for your students. Thanks.

Recycling solar panels should be easy. The silicon is cheap. But the trace elements and rare earths are a higher concentration than virgin mined materials.

Great job Matt - clear, concise, important information. Well, delivered, as always.

I have had 5 solar companies here in Arizona pitch me and they came in at $41K before tax credit that would bring the install down to around $28K for 24 panels, but I simply do not be the cost savings benefit, my bill is usually around $100-$150 a month, with the solar panels my bill would go up to $180 a month. I like the idea of solar but I'm simply not sold on the benefit of it. I would basically be swapping an electric bill for a solar panel payment bill.

great video as always! super well researched and beautifully edited... information as entertainment. Thank you.

Thank you for this great video! But what about the energy cost of recycling?

great video Matt as usual. Love our PV system and can't imagine not being solar from here on out. Recycling is key and as a country we need to move to the forefront rather than always trailing the rest of the globe. Keep up the good work.

Aussie here, recently installed 7.4kw panels and a Tesla Powerwall. In the 4 months since install, we have not drawn energy from the grid, our electricity bill is zero. AUD$24500 outlay, AUD $3000 per annum off power bill. 8 year payback without considering the benefits of blackout avoidance, being able to run the AC for less than 9 cents an hour, and avoiding future energy cost increases

Great video Matt, love the figures breakdown. Keep up the excellent work. Your hard work makes it easy for people to understand and make informed decisions.

superb as usual, thank you for your excellent work!

Good one you've answered the question that was on my mind for some time now.. Thank you 🙂

Informative Show-Thank You.