Inexpensive solar panels

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Does anyone know about these folks?

https://buycheapsolar.com/?fbclid=IwAR0McOvXajZt5vWnqlQo7jLMWgrM6uleAnVFpOx1gsCQjFsEH7-VeGveV04

[pianotuna]

They are a flexible panel with an efficiency of 10%. That means they will be quite large. MiaSolé FLEX modules use peel-and-stick application.

The 340 watt panel is 101.7 inches x 38.3 inches.

http://miasole.com/products/

http://miasole.com/miasole2017/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/MiaSole_brochure_final.pdf

[wa8yxm]

Not them but I've bought a couple of "Fantastic price" items
Well I got what I paid for.. That is What I got was worth what I paid
But it was NOT what they advertised.

[SJ-Chris]

111W panels for $35....looks like they are new.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/for/d/tracy-lowest-price-solar-panel/7235193402.html

Not sure how you would install them as they don't appear to have a frame as they are "thin film". Any idea how those could be mounted in a secure and clean-looking way?

-Chris

[CA_Traveler]

Shipping of solar panels due to their size is expensive and I'd likely not buy used panels under those circumstances. Testing the panes specs open circuit voltage and short circuit amps is extremely quick and easy when buying in person.

Panel specs I've seen are guaranteed power output of 90% for 12 years and 80% for 25 years or close to those values. This gives me some confidence when buying used panels.

[BFL13]

ppine wrote:
Solar energy is best with efficient components. If you buy better quality components like panels and an MTTP controller you need less panels.

Buying older used panels is a total **** shoot. Most of them are less efficient designs at the end of their service lives making them even less efficient.

It is situational for that and whether you can tell what the situation really is.

In general, ISTR that new panels lose about 10% of their wattage in their first year, and then it is a slow decline after that. So there could be good deals on used panels, but not for sure every deal is a good one.

[ajriding]

I looked into someone selling used panels. They gotcha on the shipping, which was in excess of $300 for a few panels. I do not know if they were legit, but like were in my guess. Solar systems do get replaced, and then the used stuff gets sold cheap, and as mentioned, old panels might not have enough efficency to be worth bothering with.
ebay glas panels are so cheap. 100 watts for $75 delivered is cheap.
I never buy Amazon bc that guy is so anti-american and hates our country so much he wants to bring in socialism. Don't support this. Almost everything on Amazon can be bought on eBay, and if not then everything is somewhere else too.

[ppine]

Solar energy is best with efficient components. If you buy better quality components like panels and an MTTP controller you need less panels.

Buying older used panels is a total **** shoot. Most of them are less efficient designs at the end of their service lives making them even less efficient.

[Lwiddis]

3 tons is showing his/her age. lol

[3_tons]

Heck, I can recall the days when they ran about $5.00 per watt - ugg!!

3 tons

[Gdetrailer]

CA Traveler wrote:
San Tan Solar in AZ has consistently had 250W used panels for $50. Seems consistent with the trend to 72 cell panels.

I certainly wouldn't buy 60 cell panels at 50% capacity. Panels often have a very long life.

New 100W panels HERE for $85.

New 100W panels HERE for $77

2 100W panels HERE for $160

New 160W panels HERE for $150

New 210W panels HERE for $200

Personally, this is where I would rather spend a bit more and buy NEW and not have to wonder if I bought a bunch of junk or got ripped off..

If you only want to consider buying used, buy them LOCAL to you, I see them used on CL a lot and this way you can physically and electrically check them before handing over any money.

[pianotuna]

My 2005 panels still output their rated numbers.

[CA_Traveler]

San Tan Solar in AZ has consistently had 250W used panels for $50. Seems consistent with the trend to 72 cell panels.

I certainly wouldn't buy 60 cell panels at 50% capacity. Panels often have a very long life.

[Gdetrailer]

Way under priced even for used..

Bet it is scammers with "vaporware" (non existent) and you never get them but they got your money or you get broken pieces of scrap.. Then if you try to contact them they won't answer or if they answer will give you 10,000 excuses or tell you to pound sand.

If a price is "too good to be true" it is a pretty good chance of scammers baiting you..

Sort of like the scams on Craigs list when they advertise a used car for $2001 and it should be worth $10K.. They are betting on folks like you looking for a "too good to be true" bargain..

If you want solar, buy new at reputable places and be willing to pony up some money for legit stuff. Then you know you are not going to get burnt. Yes, legit places do cost money, sometimes you just have to buck up and pay the price to play.

[3_tons]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

They are selling used 250 watt panels for $50.

Panel efficiency decreases with age...I’d be wondering why were these panels decommissioned, but even at only 50% efficiency, $50 bucks seems very reasonable...