Finding Used Solar Cells

Starting your solar power generator project will include a shopping list of the materials that you will need to construct it. New solar cells are normally the main cost, but don’t despair you can easily find used solar cells that work just fine.

There is no need to spend a fortune to save money on your energy costs, as that defeats the purpose of installing a DIY solar system.

Where to Find Used Solar Cells

Online Auction Sites

One of the best places to look is on an online auction sites like EBay. You can find just about anything on these auction sites and used solar cells are no different. Typically, used solar cells can be bought in lots and not on an individual basis.

Make sure you examine the auction details thoroughly before making a purchase. You pay a little more for transparent solar cells than you do for other types. Check in the auction description if you are bidding on new or used solar cells and if they are damaged with cracks or chips.

If you are unsure you must email the seller and ask them to describe the lot in more detail.

It’s actually fine to purchase solar cells with some cracks on them as you can repair them. However, you certainly don’t want to pay aything like the new price for a damaged item.

Solar Power Installers

Another great source of used solar cells is your local solar energy installers. When home owners replace or upgrade their solar panel system for whatever reason, the old ones are usually binned as scrap.

However, you can salvage the solar cells out of these panels, or in some cases even get a whole solar panel in a reasonable condition that may be in need of only minor repairs.

If a solar engineer doesn't have any used solar panels at the moment, leave your contact details and ask them to contact you when they have some come in. Chances are is that they will and you may even be doing them a favour by taking them of their hands (so they don't need to dispose of them).

Local Highway Maintenance Depots

Another great place to get used solar panels is to go to the local Highways maintenance depot. Go in person, it gets you much further than the phone and ask them what they do with the broken road signs that run on solar cells.

If they throw them in the bin, ask if you could have them. You can salvage the solar cells and make repairs if needed.

Solar Panel Retailers

There are many retailers that now stock and sell solar panels. You can contact some of your local retailers (or even some online retailers) and ask them what they do with returned solar cells.

Solar panels are fragile and there is a good chance many that are bought are damaged on arrival and customers send them back. If you offer to pay a reduced price, there’s a good chance they will give them to you a massive discount.

Finding used solar cells is not as difficult as you make think, so spending a day or two looking could save you a fortune. DIY solar energy projects are becoming very popular, so finding used solar cells will become easier. So, take your time and follow these instructions and grab yourself a bargain.

We recommend you checkout this awesome guide for building renewable energy solutions and for getting your solar cells for next nothing or even free:  Earth4Energy Renewable Energy Solution.