Surplus Solar Panels: Making Sure You Get The Right Ones

Surplus solar panels are readily available for purchase, for several reasons. Older panels are replaced to upgrade to newer ones; businesses make adjustments; or they close their operations. So, in effect, they no longer have a need for them. You can find these panels at different online auction sites and retail stores that sell them at a discount. There are benefits to purchasing these panels because you don’t have to pay the full cost. They still have some use and perform almost as good as a new panel.

Be sure to find out as much information as possible about these panels before you shell out any money. You should know what environment they were used in, what kind of company used them, and the age of the panels. This information is very crucial to whether or not you will purchase them.

Testing The Panels

For instance, if you find panels that collected a lot of dust during their use, they may not generate as much power for what you need it for. People rarely keep information about the lifespan of the panels. There are some that are older that still work properly.

If you really want to know whether the panels work properly or not, have the seller or retailer conduct a test on them. They will put them in the sun and test the amount of power it will create. This way, you’ll know whether or not it will suit your needs.

You can also find surplus solar panels at online retail sites. Some of these sites, including the auction sites, sell new and used panels. You should check out the dealer or retailer prior to giving them your personal information for purchase.

These panels can be used to help provide energy to your home, your RV and they can be used for unexpected emergencies. These panels can also be used to create power. This is done by installing the solar panels on the roof. They must be strategically placed so the sun will shine directly on the panels. When the sun makes contact with the panels, it helps to create energy.

Get Credit For Excess Energy

An inverter takes the energy and stores it for use in the evening and night hours. The energy can also be stored in batteries for the same purpose. If the panels create more energy than what you use during the day, the utility company will credit you for the difference. This process, which is known as net metering, can dramatically reduce the cost of your utility bill. Before your purchase the panels, check with your utility company to see if they have such an incentive.

Financial Incentives

Just about all of the 50 states in the United States and Washington, D.C. offer some type of financial rebate incentive for purchasing solar power products. With surplus solar panels, check with your state and local government to see what kind of incentive they offer. Depending on where you live, you can qualify for rebates from 50 to 70 percent. Even though the these panels are not necessarily new, you can still benefit and get some of your investment back in your pocket.