Build Own Solar Panel - Nine Rules for Separating the Gems from the Junk
Buying used solar energy panels is a good way to reduce the high price of going solar at home. However, like anything else you buy used, you may shop rigorously to make your bucks go as far as possible. So what is the easiest way to judge used solar panels, how does one build own solar panel? These tips should help you to separate the gems from the junk.
1) History matters - two panels of equal type, size and age will generally perform differently based primarily on their use history.
Panels with higher numbers of cells can collect more energy and that corresponds to a higher wattage rating for that panel, BUT…
This describes the amount of energy per square in. the cells will produce. This matters because a smaller panel with a higher potency rating can regularly output the same wattage as a larger panel with a lower potency rating.
If you are going to power a controlled number of circuits, or even a single appliance, you have to know how much energy it uses and ensure the allotted panel ( s ) will handle it.
2) Even new solar energy panels are only warranted to produce some number less than the stated wattage ( for example, a 200 watt panel may only be guaranteed to 180 watts ). This means it is better to use a panel that has a higher capacity than the application requires.
Like the panels, inverters have a potency rating to think about. An inverter with a lower potency rating will lose more of the energy produced by the panels than one with a higher rating. The capacity of a high potency panel can be proscribed by a low potency inverter.
It’s also helpful to test the individual cells inside a panel in certain circumstances. Sometimes an under-performing panel can be improved by re-wiring around a bad cell or two. If the price is right, this could be a smart move.
3) Look for free panels that can be used for parts. If the cells are good, these can regularly be re-assembled into a new panel.
4) if you intend to convert your home to solar power yourself, get a top quality instruction guide. It will definitely save thousands of bucks over the price of having it done professionally, and lead you step by step through the assembly and installation process, plus provide glorious info on where and how to find the components you want - including used panels.
