aeronmelon comments on Goodbye to the idea that solar panels “die” after 25 years. A new study says the warranty does not mark the end, and real-world performance can last for decades

[–] aeronmelon@lemmy.world 9 points 9 months ago* (4 children)

Many Japanese homes are still using solar water heaters that were installed in the 1980s. They’re very inefficient now, but they still work if you take care of them.

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[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 18 points 9 months ago

That's an entirely different technology. A solar water heater is essentially a specialized greenhouse with tubes and no moving parts. You just need go clean them every one to 4 years.

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[–] cogman@lemmy.world 6 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Oh no. Water heaters are the most efficient form of solar. Newer solar water heaters might be a bit more efficient than old systems, but we are talking like 80->90%. PVC solar peaks in the 20% range.

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[–] gandalf_der_12te@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 9 months ago (1 child)

20% of a looot of energy is still a lot though

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[–] cogman@lemmy.world 1 point 9 months ago

What's funny is it's enough energy that a heat pump water heater + solar ends up being more efficient than a solar water heater. Especially in a warm environment.

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