Solar panels and rainwater harvesting

[russ]

While B and C cells are typically naturally grown, silicone D cells are more impressive and less prone to sagging over time. Some say they also look better from street level and are more uniform in shape. Sorry about that, I should have made myself clear.

Which has what connection with this thread?

[Mb190e]

While B and C cells are typically naturally grown, silicone D cells are more impressive and less prone to sagging over time. Some say they also look better from street level and are more uniform in shape. Sorry about that, I should have made myself clear.

I don't think he taking about solar panels. Hahaha

[wrekless]

As titillating as this sidetracked conversation is, I am most concerned about what if any risks there are collecting rainwater from the panels that are about to go on my roof. I contacted my solar installer, and he said essentially the same thing that has been posted here already. He is contacting SunPower to see if they have any additional info.
I spent about six months researching solar power prior to pulling the trigger. Read many post from these forums along the way. The rainwater contractor is obviously concerned about the quality of the water and he prefaced his comments with "if the panels are damaged or otherwise deteriorate to the point of leaking over time, you should be aware that potentially harmful chemicals could be collected along with the rainwater." That's why I posted here, to get opinions from those who have more experience with this than I do.

[russ]

The rainwater contractor is obviously concerned about the quality of the water and he prefaced his comments with "if the panels are damaged or otherwise deteriorate to the point of leaking over time, you should be aware that potentially harmful chemicals could be collected along with the rainwater."

Pray tell what is going to leak - the guy is just chattering where he has zero knowledge.

[SunEagle]

As titillating as this sidetracked conversation is, I am most concerned about what if any risks there are collecting rainwater from the panels that are about to go on my roof. I contacted my solar installer, and he said essentially the same thing that has been posted here already. He is contacting SunPower to see if they have any additional info.
I spent about six months researching solar power prior to pulling the trigger. Read many post from these forums along the way. The rainwater contractor is obviously concerned about the quality of the water and he prefaced his comments with "if the panels are damaged or otherwise deteriorate to the point of leaking over time, you should be aware that potentially harmful chemicals could be collected along with the rainwater." That's why I posted here, to get opinions from those who have more experience with this than I do.

First I would assume that the rain water being collected is NOT for human consumption. It would need to be filtered and treated to make it Potable.

Second, if it is for watering your vegetable garden then there could be an increase of pollutants from whats in the air and what is left on the roof. I don't believe water running off even exposed PV solar cells would add anything to worry about. In either case you should use some type of type of carbon filter to remove all airborne pollutants including heavy metals.

If the water is just for lawn and shrubs I wouldn't worry much where it came from.

[wrekless]

First I would assume that the rain water being collected is NOT for human consumption. It would need to be filtered and treated to make it Potable.

Second, if it is for watering your vegetable garden then there could be an increase of pollutants from whats in the air and what is left on the roof. I don't believe water running off even exposed PV solar cells would add anything to worry about. In either case you should use some type of type of carbon filter to remove all airborne pollutants including heavy metals.

If the water is just for lawn and shrubs I wouldn't worry much where it came from.

It is going to be potable, with appropriate filters and UV treatment.

[Mike90250]

It is going to be potable, with appropriate filters and UV treatment.

Anyone know of UV water treatment that used UV LED's instead of florescent tubes that take 2 minutes to warm up ?

[azdave]

- the guy is just chattering where he has zero knowledge.

I believe it's just a CYA move by the rainwater harvester because he doesn't know if it is a problem or not and doesn't want to take the liability of saying it should be okay.

I think you'll ingest or inhale far worse stuff from other sources (pesticides, airborne contaminants, etc) than what will ever come off your roof but what do I know?

[SunEagle]

I believe it's just a CYA move by the rainwater harvester because he doesn't know if it is a problem or not and doesn't want to take the liability of saying it should be okay.

I think you'll ingest or inhale far worse stuff from other sources (pesticides, airborne contaminants, etc) than what will ever come off your roof but what do I know?

I agree.

I would expect the existing system to be able to "purify" the rain water from most pollutants through filters and possibly chemical addition already so whatever might come from the solar panels would be already covered.

Would need to see what the water system specification is and what contaminants it can capture.

[SunEagle]

Anyone know of UV water treatment that used UV LED's instead of florescent tubes that take 2 minutes to warm up ?

Mike

I have seen some LED's that can emit UV light between 365 - 410nm spectrum but do not know if they make a unit with the intensity to treat water.

[azdave]

Mike

I have seen some LED's that can emit UV light between 365 - 410nm spectrum but do not know if they make a unit with the intensity to treat water.

They sure do.

http://www.s-et.com/