To those who are familiar with solar panels: I have a line on two 65 Watt panels for under $200. This seems like a pretty good price. Is there a reason not to get used solar panels? I assume that they wear out after a time. Is this so? If so, how long do they usually last? Thanks.
solar panels
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I would hook them up to a volt meter and make sure they are putting out at least 16 volts under noload condition. Mine is the KC-130 and put out 21 Volts new outta the box under no load. " checked it straight off the termionals on the back of the panel.". Also their are some Diodes in the panel that may or may not be shorted out. Check theses also with an OHM meter. The Diodes should read open. Other than that, just a good visual inspection pf the glass on the cells. Also you will need a charge controler to prevent cooking your bayyeries or possibly damaging your boats electronics. The controller is a MUST Good luck. SEnd me an E-mail if I can be of any help.
I would hook them up to a volt meter and make sure they are putting out at least 16 volts under noload condition. Mine is the KC-130 and put out 21 Volts new outta the box under no load. " checked it straight off the termionals on the back of the panel.". Also their are some Diodes in the panel that may or may not be shorted out. Check theses also with an OHM meter. The Diodes should read open. Other than that, just a good visual inspection pf the glass on the cells. Also you will need a charge controler to prevent cooking your bayyeries or possibly damaging your boats electronics. The controller is a MUST Good luck. SEnd me an E-mail if I can be of any help.
its normal for efficiency to go down over time
google this on the web to get an understanding what sort of efficency reduction to expect with used panels. some types are worse then others. I'm not saying dont buy them. I would probably go used also. Just important to know before hand and also keep that in mind with the price
google this on the web to get an understanding what sort of efficency reduction to expect with used panels. some types are worse then others. I'm not saying dont buy them. I would probably go used also. Just important to know before hand and also keep that in mind with the price
20 year life expectancy
Most of the panels that I have looked at had a 20 year or more life expectancy. I would buy them if the are in good condition. I paid almost $800 for a new 115 watt panel. Check the manufacturer's web site and make sure they are working!!!
Most of the panels that I have looked at had a 20 year or more life expectancy. I would buy them if the are in good condition. I paid almost $800 for a new 115 watt panel. Check the manufacturer's web site and make sure they are working!!!
Thats a good price
New panels are running over $5.00 per watt. As Chuck said, check open circuit voltage and if you can short circuit current. A panel will still put out 80% capacity or better after 20 years. About the only way you can damage a panel other than physical damage is to have a large array and have one panel shaded for a long period of time.
New panels are running over $5.00 per watt. As Chuck said, check open circuit voltage and if you can short circuit current. A panel will still put out 80% capacity or better after 20 years. About the only way you can damage a panel other than physical damage is to have a large array and have one panel shaded for a long period of time.
store solar panels?
So, I'm thinking that I'll get these panels, especially if I can get the guy to come down a little in his price, but with one issue: Can you store solar panels (like inside a garage or in the basement)? The thing is, I don't think I'd be installing them any time soon. They don't degrade if they're just stored, do they? Thanks.
So, I'm thinking that I'll get these panels, especially if I can get the guy to come down a little in his price, but with one issue: Can you store solar panels (like inside a garage or in the basement)? The thing is, I don't think I'd be installing them any time soon. They don't degrade if they're just stored, do they? Thanks.
John, Solar panels are pure crystalline silicon sealed into
a weather proof package. What is to go bad with age? If they are good for 10-20 years in the weather. How long do you think they will last in safe, dry, storage as long as nobody knocks into them with a car?
a weather proof package. What is to go bad with age? If they are good for 10-20 years in the weather. How long do you think they will last in safe, dry, storage as long as nobody knocks into them with a car?
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