Free Solar Panels

From LoveToKnow GreenLiving

When it comes to free solar panels, or free anything for that matter, the cynic within is inclined to shrug his or her shoulders. The use of the word free generally sends anyone looking for the hidden catch. The facts of the matter are, as pertains to this issue, there is a way to obtain free solar panels …sometimes.

Free Solar Panels – There is Good Reason to Go Looking

The truth is that for anyone building or thinking of converting their homes using solar panels in the roof, the expense can be astronomical. A low estimate for just doing one section of a roof can start at $10,000 and increase proportionately. Energy savings – without a doubt, but at the current price of your investment for new solar panels, it will literally take years before you will see a significant return on your investment.

Of course people are seeking something less expensive, and are finding them through commercial cast offs or by making their own solar panels at a significant savings.

Where to Look for Free Solar Panels

As with most things, you are looking for quality used solar panels, as well as a dependable source. Start by going to commercial installers of solar panels. When another homeowner or business is upgrading, commercial installers may be willing to let you have the removed used solar panels. Especially when used in a commercial setting or in a scientific one, such as weather sensors, when panels become chipped or scratched they are often deemed unsafe, whoever owns them are obligated at that point to replace them.

A point of politeness – always offer to pay them –something. While getting rid of old solar panels may save them the cost of recycling and trash fees, it is simple courtesy to respect that they are in business and if you are directly buying from them, you can acknowledge their helpfulness by offering a nominal fee.

You can also advertise for, free used solar panels in places such as Craig’s List, Twitter and Face Book, as well as other environmentally issued based web sites and publications. Write a letter to architectural designers specializing in designing green homes, and let them know of your interest.

How to Determine Quality of Used Solar Panels

Despite a crack, scratch, or minor pitting, used solar panels can still generate and deliver most of their original output. Several sites such as Clean Technica.com recommend buying a multimeter which measures watts and amps.

As it has positive and negative contact points, the multimeter works like a battery itself. Put your solar panels in the sun and attach the multimeter and check to make sure the panels are still producing energy.

Do-It Yourself Solar Panels

While estimates vary, you can build solar panels yourself with readily available materials from any hardware and home builder’s store. Depending on the size and design of your panels, the price of materials can run between $100-$250 dollars per panel new. You can turn it into a free project by scavenging what materials you have on hand, and asking friends and family neighbors to check out their garages. Basic components include the following:

Plywood
Solar cells
Sheet glass
Copper wiring

For a quick overview of what it takes to build a solar panel, check out Treehugger.com. While it lacks step-by-step instructions, it explains the basics in an easy to follow style and breaks down the materials needed and their respective costs.

Another place to look on the web for tutorials and instructions is at Sun Power.com. Their tutorials and explanations are clear and easy to follow.

Mother Earth News.com offers some easier do-it-yourself plans for the complete novice, including what they call a solar heat grabber and a building plan for a solar hot air grabber. They are forthright that their projects can take from a hour to two hours for the beginner.

Free solar panels, while not easy to come by, are available. The readiness of reliable Internet instructions, manuals, and videos providing free advice to building your own solar panels is another helpful cost savings. Even if you have to pour a few dollars into making your own, making them almost for free is the next best thing!

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