Saturday, February 18, 2012

What to Look for in a Used Solar Panel

By Jack V. Schilling

If you are wondering as to the reason why you should buy a used solar panel then consider this detail Used solar panels are a cheap and effective way to get your energy cost down and save resources on the planet. Used solar panels use very little natural resources as well as do not put extra toxins into the air these are manufactured with the best materials on the market today. One thing that you need to remember is that used solar panels do not use packaging that will end up in a landfill.

One advantage to used solar panels is that you need not worry about them wearing out unless there is damage or a malfunction. You can take comfort in the fact that many of the first solar panels are still to this day well in use and providing the same amount of energy as they did form the day they were installed. The difference between first generation and second generation solar panels is more power in less space.

The best way to find these used solar panels is to take a look in the classified section online and see if you can find a set for a price that you will be able to afford. If you have ever been past a construction site then chances are that you noticed these in use. The reason behind this is due to the fact of a lack of power on the job site. These are replaced almost as soon as damage is detected as this poses a safety concern. These will work wonders for around your home.

Avoid a used solar panel if damages such as condensation under the glass, cracks and broken connections are observable. These can be repaired in many cases but you should do the math to find out if the repairing costs worth it. Most of the solar panels are packed with more energy than labeled to bridge the gap of energy loss due to aging. By ten years or more of usage, solar panels produce 0.5 to 2% lesser energy than the actual output.

Know the type of damage that can be repaired and know the cost that are associated with that repair. http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_solar_repair.html can give you a good idea.

You should carry a multimeter with you while going to purchase a used solar panel. Like a big battery, a solar panel also have positive "+" and negative "-"terminals. Set the panel under the sun and connect your multimeter to find out how much energy the panel is producing. Based on this info and comparing the size and price of the panel, you can easily make up if the panel worth buying.

If the panel in question has browning that appears on it this is not a sign that the panel will not function correctly, this will just be a result of the concentrates that are used on the panels.

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