How Can I Get Used Solar Cells?
Where can I find used solar cells for my solar energy generator? You may be asking yourself that as you start putting your shopping list together. After all, the whole point in the project is to save money, might as well start saving with the actual project itself. This list of places to look should help you get all the used solar cells you need and start you thinking of similar places you could check.
For many years now the first place anyone looks when they want to buy something cheap is EBay. Solar cells are also available on EBay and other online auctions. When you find them on auction sites you will usually find them sold in bunches, not singles. I find EBay is usually the cheapest pace for getting the parts for making a homemade power system.
Once you find solar cells for auction don’t be hasty and start bidding until you have investigated what you are bidding on. If there are pictures look for chips or cracks. Read the description. Don’t mistakenly bid a ‘new item’ price for used solar cells. If you aren’t sure, contact the auctioneer and ask. If the cells are cracked or chipped, that is okay, just don’t overpay for them.
Solar cells with cracks and chips can be used. The repairs aren’t difficult and it is worth the difference in the price. Also check to see if they are transparent. Transparent solar cells typically sell for more. It pays to read all of the information presented with the auction.
Now it’s time to visit your local solar energy installer. Ask around and find out who most of your community uses. Particularly if you noticed someone getting new ones installed. Go to the installer and ask him how he disposes of the used solar panels. Ask if you can have them. They will probably give them to you to keep from hauling them off. You can salvage the used solar cells and repair those that need it – you might get lucky and salvage some panels.
The installer might not have any at the time you call or visit, but leave your name and number and ask them to call you. Check back on occasion so they don’t forget you.
Finding your used solar cells should be paying off at this point. But keep going there’s another place to investigate. Your local county highway department’s maintenance department.
Go in person, you’ll get much more accomplished. Ask what they do with damaged road warning signs, the ones that are solar powered. Ask if you can have them to recycle the parts. Once again, you are going to salvage the solar cells from the damaged equipment. Check with them often if they don’t have any at the time.
Another way to massive savings is to call and email retailers that specialize in renewable energy systems. Explain that you are looking for damaged or used solar cells. All retailers will have a number of solar power systems that have has been returned for one reason or another. It is very easy for solar cells to get damaged in shipping, so you may be able to get them for next to nothing, plus the cost of shipping.
Taking the time to make repairs to cracked and used solar cells and doing some legwork to find those solar cells can add up to substantial savings for your solar energy generator project. Keep your eyes open for that steal of a deal and happy hunting.
If you are seriously considering building your own solar power system then check out this Earth4Energy review which explains step-by-step (with videos and manuals) how repair damaged solar cells and build your own solar energy system for under $200.
Further resources on Solar Power Systems can be found here: Solar Energy Systems.