How to Find and Buy Cheap Solar Panels

If you are considering converting or adapting your house to solar energy, the cost of solar panels can be shocking; however, with a little research and patience, cheap solar panels can be found. Or rather less expensive ones. If you do your homework and investigate a product thoroughly, there are good bargains in the market place. Some are for new panels, others are for used. When buying used panels, caveat emptor should govern your search.

New Solar Panels are Cheaper

The solar energy market is becoming increasingly competitive. With that, prices are slowly dropping. If haggling is in your blood, you may be able to finagle lower prices from vendors. One thing that may work in your favor is being able to negotiate price breaks for volume purchases. Talk with friends and neighbors who may also be interested in solar panels and combine everyone’s order into one.

The same tactic can also be used for shipping costs. If your purchase is over a certain amount, the seller may waive the shipping fees. If you are short of the minimal amount, combining your purchase with that of friends can put you over minimum.

Used solar panels

Cheap solar panels can definitely be found in the used product market. Ebay, Craigslist, Demolition companies, and solar panel vendors all provide access to used panels – either directly or indirectly. If previously owned solar panels are a better fit for you budget, keep the following in mind.

• When considering a used product, check the age and structural soundness of the panel. With solar panels, output diminishes over time. However, if it is in good condition, the loss will not be too great. As the damage to a panel increase, the power output decreases. Older panels, though they take up more space, are still effective.
• Ask the seller if the panel will provide steady power all day. If there is hemming and hawing ,or a lot of fast talk, probably not. Ask for a written warranty – even used products should have some protection.
• Determine where the panel was used. Avoid panels used on boats, as marine solar panels may have suffered water and salt damage.
• If you come across panels with burned out bypass diodes, you may can negotiate a great deal for these “broken” panels. They can be repaired quickly, easily, and cheaply. .
• Avoid cracked glass, panels with condensation on the inside of the glass, and panels with loose, broken, or poorly repaired connections. The costs to repair them will offset any savings you may have had.
• Always measure the power output with a voltmeter before you buy. Make sure the power output matches your needs.

Regardless of whether you are buying new, used, or cheap solar panels, be sure the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal is present. Without it, you will not qualify for any incentive or tax rebate programs, will not be able to connect the panels to the power grid (if you want to), and your homeowners insurance will probably not cover the panel or any damage that results from its installation and use.