How to Find Used Solar Cells for Your Homemade Power System
When you look at off-the-shelf solar power systems many people are put off by the cost. You may be investigating the various solar energy systems and putting a shopping list together. After all, the whole purpose of the project is to cut costs, so you should be looking at cutting the cost of the project itself. By the far the biggest money saving step is to buy used solar cells, so begin by looking at places where you get cheap parts.
EBay – home to just about anything you could possibly find and that includes homemade power items, so it is the first place you should check. You can use other online auctions, but EBay is the most widely used and as so will most likely have more solar cells than you need. Note that you don’t purchase them individually, they are usually sold in groups (or lots).
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.
Damaged and used solar cells with chips and cracks can be used. The repairs aren’t difficult and it is well worth the difference in the price. Also check to see if they are transparent. Transparent solar cells typically sell for more. It definitely makes sense 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.
Don’t give up if they don’t have any at the moment. Offer to leave your information and ask if they would call if they get in any. They probably will if saves on their garbage collection fees.
While you’re out checking with installers find out where your county road maintenance office is. That is your next stop.
Make a visit to the actual shop, don’t try phoning, you’ll get passed from one person to the next. Once there ask them what they do when traffic signals that use solar cells are damaged. Of course you’re going to get the ‘in the trash pile’ answer. Ask if you can have them for recycling purposes. Once you get the okay, leave your information for future use. Again, you can salvage the solar cells from the damaged equipment.
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.
It might take a little bit of research and searching around to find used solar cells, but it is easily do-able. And what can be more rewarding than making your own solar powered system with used solar cells you paid next to nothing for?
Building a homemade solar powered system is now easier than ever with the help of Earth 4 Energy – with a complete step by step guide and videos. Find out the full info in my Earth4Energy review.
Further resources on Solar Energy Systems can be found here: Solar Energy Systems.
