Author: admin

Watch Out For Used Solar Panels

Research solar power for the home and you’ll quickly find out that the cost is prohibitive. Over 50% of the cost is in the panels.

Used solar panels are a great way to help make the entire project affordable However, before purchasing any used solar panels, the consumer must understand what to look for and whether the available panels will fit their need. That’s because not all solar panels are the same, and no two solar installation projects are the same. Projects will vary by the location of the project and how much direct sunlight it gets and by the amount of energy you need to produce.

Particularly with used solar panels, the condition, prior usage history, type and age must all be taken into account before deciding whether or not the panel is right for the project. Now on to evaluating used solar panels.

A solar panel is just a frame that holds a number of individual solar cells all connected together. The energy from the sunlight is collected by these individual cells and then moved along through the panel and out into the system. Generally, panels with higher numbers of cells can collect more energy and that corresponds to a higher wattage rating for that panel, but there are some important exceptions to that rule.

Keep in mind that even new solar panels are only usually warranted to produce some number below the stated wattage (as an example, a 200 watt panel may only be warranted to 180 watts). This is helpful to know when evaluating a used panel. 

A panel’s efficiency rating describes the amount of power per square inch that the cells can be expected to produce. This matters because a large panel with a lower efficiency rating could possibly output less power than a smaller panel with a higher efficiency rating. Panels rated as less efficient will require more roof space to generate the same amount of electricity as higher rated panels.

It is also important to keep in mind that the inverter used has an impact on the true panel performance. Briefly, the inverter is what changes the energy from direct current (DC) to Alternating current (AC). Like the panels, inverters have an efficiency rating to consider. A higher rated inverter will lose less of the generated power than will a lower rated inverter.

The age and usage history of the panel are the next items to scrutinize. Each solar panel has an expected lifespan and is usually guaranteed for 25 years when purchased new.  Solar panels should be expected to lose performance after being placed into service and by general comparison. This is something to keep in mind when inquiring about used solar panels for sale.

Buying the wrong solar panels can end up costing you a lot of wasted money in the long run, while buying the correct panels for your project can drastically reduce the cost of installing solar power in any home. You can learn a lot more about used solar panels, and building your own DIY solar energy system here.

Nick Molinar runs DIYHomePowerGrid, where he discusses home grown power generation systems including solar, wind and automotive alternatives.

Brunton SolarRoll 9 Watt Flexible Solar Panels

  • Flexible 9-watt solar panel folds up and stores in portable tube
  • Ideal for running cell phones or charging digital still and video cameras
  • Tefzel fluoropolymer construction is durable, versatile, and pliable
  • Amorphous thin-film solar cells are effective in low-light conditions
  • Measures 12 x 40 inches and weighs 10.6 ounces; one-year warranty

Product Description
Our drive and desire to pioneer a line of rugged power sources led to the introduction of the first flexible solar panel, the SolarRoll. Since then, the evolution of this concept has flourished. Backed by glowing reviews in every major magazine and newspaper in this country and others, the SolarRoll¿ has officially taken its place as one of our most talked about products. The proof, though, is in the remarkable performance. Ideal for powering satellite phones; … More >>

Brunton SolarRoll 9 Watt Flexible Solar Panels

Sunforce 50012 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer

  • 1.8-watt solar charger plugs into your vehicle’s 12-volt lighter socket
  • Works with automobile, all terrain vehicle (ATV), personal water craft (PWC), and boat batteries
  • Made of durable ABS plastic and amorphous solar cells
  • Includes alligator clips for direct connection to a battery
  • Measures 6.5 x 1.25 x 18 inches (WxHxD)

Product Description
The Sunforce 50012 1.8 Watt Solar Battery Maintainer gives you another reason to love the sun — it’ll help keep your car’s battery charged. Just plug this helpful 1.8-watt solar charger into your vehicle’s 12-volt lighter socket and position the panel to pick up the most daylight possible. Or, if you prefer, use the included alligator clips to connect it directly to the battery, so you can keep your lighter socket open for cell phone chargers or other accessories. … More >>

Sunforce 50012 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer

How Anyone Can Own Solar Panels!

If you have already ruled out home solar panel as an alternative means of power because of its expensive price, then better think again. Indeed, solar panels nowadays, especially those that can be used to provide enough power for most of your appliances, are exorbitantly priced. The price of a system can run from $20,000 up to $50,000 depending on your energy needs. This is why many regrettably have to give up plans of setting up home solar panels on their rooftops.

There are other means of acquiring solar gadgets without having to spend so much. First of all, there are many second hand or used solar panels that anyone can buy from solar dealers – these are priced much less than the brand new ones but are still in good running condition.

Is it okay to buy second-hand or used home solar panel for your home instead of buying a brand new one? Of course, especially if the used solar panel that you bought is still of good running condition. However, pass up on solar items that have major defects or damage on them.

You might also decide on passing up on the old model type of solar panels on sale. Better think again. The older, very first home solar panels are the ones that are durable and really functioning well. They simply are such great buys especially if used properly and well taken care of by the previous owner.

As for the lifespan of a used solar panel, it can really be hard to tell. Some takes years and years before bogging down and needing some repair or a replacement on a spare part or two. Most of the time, the gadget is installed on the appropriate location or top of your roof and that’s it. You let it be as it needs minimal maintenance.

The main thing to do when buying used home solar panels is to avoid those that have damage on them, such as cracks and broken glass, moisture on the glass and damaged lines and connections. Unless you have extra cash to repair these defects, then it is best to steer away from these used solar products.

If purchasing your own full system is outside your budget indeed there is a more affordable way to take advantage of solar for you electrical needs.

A product is now available where you can actually rent the whole solar panel system for no more than you pay the electric company for energy. A company called Check out Citizenre has come up with an innovative way to make solar an affordable lifestyle choice. Citizenr? REnU program packages solar power for you in a simple and smart way. Plainly put, the Citizenr? Corporation pays for, installs, owns and operates the solar installation. You don’t have to worry about maintaining the equipment or any of the other concerns that come with making an investment into solar power.

All you have to do is pay a flat monthly rent. You generate your own, renewable energy from the solar panels you rent and this power offsets the power you were buying from your utility. Your savings can cover the monthly rent and even put money back in your pocket. And since your rent is locked in for up to 25 years, you can save significantly over time as electricity prices continue to rise.

These are some of the benefits the customers receive:

-No upfront investment, no need to become a financial expert to justify your investment.

-No waiting for rebates.

-No headaches with the city and the utility; let us handle the engineering, procurement, and construction.

-With our flat monthly rent and our “Performance Guarantee” you can generate your own, renewable electricity and pay for the rent with your savings. Since your Agreement will show the amount of energy your system can generate, it is simple to calculate your savings.

-Hassle-free operating and maintenance; it’s handled by the experts.

-Actual hedge against future utility price increases: you can “lock in” your rates for the electricity generated from the solar system at your home for a period of up to twenty-five years, far longer than the guaranteed rates offered by other electricity providers.

Indeed, a solar panel, whether brand new, second hand or rented, is definitely a wise choice as it helps you in minimizing your electric bills, helps the worlds growing energy needs and is especially an environmentally healthy and helpful choice.

Check out www.jointhesolution.com