subject: What To Consider When Buying Used Solar Panels [print this page] Many homeowners are already making great efforts to lower their carbon footprint and their energy bills. They are installing everything from tankless water heaters and compact flourescent light bulbs to low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient AC units.
Solar electric panels are another great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills while making their homes more Eco-friendly. The price of new solar electric panels has dropped about 40 percent over the last year and prices are still slowly on the decline. But even now prices for solar electric panels are a big financial investment for many homeowners.
There is another option for homeowners who want the benefits of having solar electric panels without paying the high price. Today, you can find many used solar panels on the market that are affordable for any home.
Like buying anything used there are a few things that you need to look out for to make sure that you are still getting a quality product that performs well. First of all, check closely to see if any of the glass is cracked and have the panels checked to see if the condensers are damaged. Some of the most common problems with used solar panels are damaged connections, cracked glass, and condensation build up under the glass. Another common problem that many used solar panels have is also related to the connections. Sometimes there are loose connections in the actual solar cells.
Before buying used solar panels also be sure to test them out. You can test the power output by setting your voltmeter to DC volts. You then measure across the negative and positive terminals of the solar panel. You can find information online about the proper voltage to look for with different sized and powered solar panels.
It is not a good idea to buy solar panels with lots of damages unless you are willing to pay to have them fixed. Also, keep in mind that there are some common name brands that sell decent used solar panels.
