How Can I Get Used Solar Cells?

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).

Before you bid on the solar cells, read the details provided. Don’t bid a “new” price on a “used” item; also, if the solar cells are transparent you can expect to pay more. If you are bidding on a lot that says cracked or chipped used solar cells – don’t overpay and don’t despair, you can repair the chips and cracks. Email the auctioneer if you have any doubts about what you are bidding on.

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.

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.

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.

Lastly call some solar cell retailers. Explain that you are looking for damaged or used solar cells. All retailers have a stash of merchandise that has been returned for one reason or another. If the cells were damaged in shipping you might be able to get them for nothing more than the cost of shipping. Definitely worth checking in on.

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.

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 Power Systems.

[nms:solar cells,4]