Three Years Later - We might have a problem

Solar energy has always fascinated me. I can put black rectangles on my roof and get free power from the sun for 30+ years? I'm all about that life. Join us as we track my solar journey on year three with my 8kw system. My only regret is that I didn't install more solar panels when I started.

[freedom]

damn that had been 3 years ive watch you while you install those panels. and unbelievably it has been 3 yrs now wow!

[META_txt]

That sponsor part was smoother than Linus' sneaky ones

[syedowaisali]

totally agree with you. I've installed 13kw solar in Pakistan and the ROI here is less than 4 years! Due to expensive electricity and frequent power outages, solar is not just a greener choice but a lifestyle upgrade too!

[Zangettsu_ZA]

Living in South Africa we have an abundance of sunshine but unfortunately we sit with up to 12 hours a day without power from our national power utility due to government corruption and criminality. So about a month ago we got fed up with the incompetence and installed a hybrid solar backup system which charges batteries during the day and run all electrical loads inside the house. During night time we use the stored energy. The cycle remains even when rolling blackouts (aka Loadshedding) is active. It has been amazing seeing the system at work and keeping our lights and appliances on at all times. Even now that it is rainy season in Cape Town we only use about 25% electricity from the grid (when it is available). During the day we run everything from dishwashers, air conditioners, washing machines, vacuums, etc. all for free. We even use the sun to heat up our water in our solar geyser and have installed a gas stove to boil water, make tea, cook, etc. as gas is fairly cheap here.

[paulgoudfrooij]

I’m at year 10 and absolutely zero problems. Very happy with the panels.

[UndecidedMF]

Great update! I wouldn't be too worried about what appears to be a downward trend. A better weather year and you may have the biggest year ever.

[bjgaspar]

Simultaneously the best and worst sponsor transition ever. Well done, sir.

[AlexWaardenburg]

I've had solar for 9 years and I tell people they are "boringly predictable". But boringly predictable doesn't get the clicks! Nice effort spicing up the fact that your panels saved roughly the same amount of money each year and that you are where you predicted you would be. Seriously, looking forward to the video for year 4!

[wildpigremovalinc.executio]

Nice video. One thought many people forget about when installing solar in a warm weather area with an effective air gap is the umbrella effect. Basically the solar panels act as an umbrella shading the house keeping your roof cooler and that heat is not transferred into your attic and into your living quarters, which requires you to use your A/C more. As a result, you save some money by not using your A/C and the wear and tear over time, which may make your unit last longer. My 2 cents...Have a nice day.

Update: I live in Central CA, the roof solar was installed in 2008. We bought the house in 1996 and replaced the furnace & AC unit in 2024, 28 yrs. We definitely got lucky that our unit lasted that long. We also live in a warm climate area. I think the AC is used more than the furnace. But, I believe the solar shade does help keep the roof cooler.

[MikesTropicalTech]

You have to separate 'heat' from 'sunshine' in the summer. Sunshine is good, heat is bad. You will lose 1% of module efficiency for every 2 degrees C in temperature rise. That's why you'll likely hit your annual peak power output day in the late Spring - good hours of sunshine and not yet hot. Anyway, great to see your system is running well for 3 years with no maintenance issues, those little employees are working hard for you!

[SUPREETH.]

I love these non usual videos from Zack

[ATM]

I officially want to one of these videos every year year. I love these house videos from the garden tours to the giant rain collection system. Absolutely amazing content Zack!

[JoshSmith-jkcc]

Dude you got a huge yard.... Get a set of ground-mount bifacial panels for winter. Easy to install. Can set in perfect direction, and no need for power optimisers or micor-inverters on the ground-mount system, as no need for rapid shutdown there!
Also they're easy to clear snow off of, and the snow reflects back on them in a big way all day, making them BY FAR the best solar setup for winter!

Hey Jerry Rig … I have watched your tear downs on apple phones for many years… you definitely have a great style of presentation.. The one thing that really hooks me more to your channel is your love and understanding you have for Cambry… ( hope I spelt that right ) what an inspiring couple … Fabulous ❤❤❤

[adriancandilada]

Time flies really fast, it is like yesterday when I watch your video regarding to this solar panel

[filipth]

These panels would have already paid themselves off bigtime here in Germany where we pay close to 0.50€/kWh

[abu]

Can't believe it's been 3 years since I watched the installation video. Time does fly.

[tjs]

You can invest about $200 in a brush/squeegee combo on a 40ft handle that you use to pull snow off of your panels thus letting them catch some of those limited winter sun. You could probably reach the bulk of your panels from the ground without having to risk a ladder in winter.

[OldManSparkplug]

That's the smoothest sponsor message I've seen in a long while.

[greganson]

Your video specifically got me to go with a 13.86kw system from solarwholesale and last year I produced 17, 336kwh and this year is looking to beat that easily based on the last couple of months. It was very sunny April and May so far, I sent back out over 700kwh to the grid last month. Couldn't have been happier with my decision that you helped me make, so THANK YOU.