where can i buy solar panels
Buying used solar panels is a great way to reduce the high cost of going solar at home. However, like anything else you buy used, you must shop carefully to make your dollars go as far as possible. So what is the best way to judge used solar panels? These tips should help you to separate the gems from the junk.
1) History matters – Two panels of equal type, size and age will often perform differently based on their usage history. Panels that have seen more action will not perform as well as an identical panel that has been in storage for most of its life. Find out as much as you can about how the used panel was used in the past.
2) The individual cells are what “collect” the energy from the sunlight. panels with higher numbers of cells can collect more energy and that corresponds to a higher wattage rating for that panel, BUT…
3) Also look for the panel’s original efficiency rating. This describes the amount of energy per square inch that the cells will produce. This matters because a smaller panel with a higher efficiency rating can often output the same wattage as a larger panel with a lower efficiency rating.
4) Match the panels to the job they’ll be doing. If you are going to power a limited number of circuits, or even a single appliance, you have to know how much energy it uses and make sure the assigned panel(s) will handle it.
5) Even new solar panels are only warranted to produce some number less than the stated wattage (for instance, a 200 watt panel may only be warranted to 180 watts). This means it is better to use a panel that has a higher capacity than the application requires.
6) Your system will use an inverter to change the energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Like the panels, inverters have an efficiency rating to consider. An inverter with a lower efficiency rating will lose more of the energy produced by the panels than one with a higher rating. The capacity of a high efficiency panel can be restricted by a low efficiency inverter.
7) Test used panels for wattage and voltage before purchasing whenever possible. It’s also helpful to test the individual cells within a panel in certain circumstances. Sometimes an under-performing panel can be improved by re-wiring around a bad cell or two. If the price is right, this might be a smart move.
Look for free panels that can be used for parts. If the cells are good, these can often be re-assembled into a new panel.
9) If you intend to convert your home to solar power yourself, get a good quality instruction guide. It will definitely save thousands of dollars over the cost of having it done professionally., and guide you step-by-step through the assembly and installation process, plus provide excellent information on where and how to find the components you need – including used panels.
You can find out more about used solar panels here.
Stop paying hundreds every month to the the power company. Anyone can reduce or eliminate their monthly electric bill using affordable, homemade solar power without breaking the bank. More and more people are moving to DIY solar power each day. Learn how you can join the revolution with used solar panels.
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P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
$29.99 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec... |
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Solar-powered LED Flashlight w/ Keychain
$0.01 Imagine a flashlight small enough to attach to your keychain, but with three powerful LED lights, and it never needs batteries! This is the Solar Flashlight Keychain. A small solar panel on the back of the flashlight converts light to energy to power the bright LED lights. No cranking or shaking needed. Even ambient light is enough to keep this tough flashlight shining brightly! On your keychain, ... |
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Xantrex 802-1500 XPower 1,500 Watt Portable Powerpack
$366.15 The XPower Powerpack 1500 is a portable power system that produces household electricity for products rated at 1500 watts or less. A clean and quiet alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack integrates a 60 Amp/hour AGM battery with a 1500-watt inverter and produces a 3000-watt surge. This system is built to run a range of appliances such as a standard size refrigerator and microwave oven, ... |
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Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
$52.99 the Logitech 920-002912 K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard makes battery hassles a thing of the past in a streamlined, comfortable design. The solar power keeps this keyboard charged and ready-even indoors. And with the advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology, this keyboard allows you to work or play in more places like your comfy couch or even in your bedroom, the long-range wireless connection virtually... |
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Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight
Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight. 80 LEDs make this the brightest solar motion light available. Great for decks, driveways, sheds, pathways, or any large outdoor area. Includes 6-volt 4Ah sealed lead acid rechargeable battery. 15 foot cable connects light and solar panel. Activates up to 125 times when on for 1 minute at a time. Weather resistant white plastic body... |
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Texas Instruments TI36X Solar Scientific Calculator
$15.00 Ideal for students at every level, from junior high school algebra to college calculus, the Texas Instruments TI36 packs a lot of punch in a small, inexpensive unit. This solar-powered calculator combines features for statistical analysis, Boolean logic operations, and unit conversions in one sleek package.Math students will appreciate TI36X's ability to perform fractional equations and calculate ... |
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Portable 5-watt 16-volt Personal Solar Panel
$46.49 This amorphous crystal solar panel can power an appliance, light, small motor or battery. Its small size makes this solar panel portable, efficient and inexpensive. |
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Solar Water Fountain Pump With Battery LED Timer
$90.99 Keep your garden looking great with a solar water fountain pumpHardware can be set up easily wherever desired without wiring installationHome improvement device features a three-watt amorphous solar panel |
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Handmade Thom Filicia Solar Limestone New Zealand Wool Rug (9' x 12')
$828.74 This floor rug has a beige background and displays stunning panel colors of ivory and dark beige. Using a hand-tufted construction with a New Zealand wool and viscose pile results in the most luxurious look and softness you can get in a rug. |
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Handmade Thom Filicia Solar Limestone New Zealand Wool Rug (8' x 10')
$596.69 This floor rug has a beige background and displays stunning panel colors of ivory and dark beige. Using a hand-tufted construction with a New Zealand wool and viscose pile results in the most luxurious look and softness you can get in a rug. |
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Handmade Thom Filicia Solar Limestone New Zealand Wool Rug (5' x 8')
$287.29 This floor rug has a beige background and displays stunning panel colors of ivory and dark beige. Using a hand-tufted construction with a New Zealand wool and viscose pile results in the most luxurious look and softness you can get in a rug. |
