Just bought a home that came with a solar panel -- question re: inverter

[J.P.M.]

As a coworker commented once "PV aint gonna get you laid"

But acquiring PV without knowing what you're getting into can get you screwed.

[SunEagle]

But acquiring PV without knowing what you're getting into can get you screwed.

But isn't electricity from the sun FREE?

[J.P.M.]

But isn't electricity from the sun FREE?

No. If it was free that would make solar and R.E. con artists and shysters merely sluts and not whores. Associating with either comes with consequences, just like inappropriate PV sold to the solar ignorant.

[tyab]

Also be aware that at 10 yrs old, your panels may be producing 10% less than they did when new under ideal conditions. The points folks are trying to make above is that add-ons or replacements that you do will not pay for themselves in a timely manner. Consider a monitoring system at this point more of a hobby for yourself to learn from is the only way to financially justify it.

Now given its age for a piece of mind and safety point of view, might be a good idea to have the original installer (if they are even around) come out and simply make sure that there are no safety issues - cables frayed, etc. Of course you are going to pay for a truck roll and time. Think of it like taking a used car you bought from a private party you don't know and did not have inspected to a repair shop for an evaluation after the fact. But be cautious of any recommendations to spend $$$ on upgrades/replacements.