Buying a solar panel with damaged frame?

[loess]

Do any of you folks have any experience with using a solar panel that has a damaged frame (or fixing a frame)? For a while I've been keeping an eye out locally for a good deal on a solar panel to mount on the roof of my minivan, and I found a potential lead on some used Astronergy panels. Called the guy and as far as I can tell they're basically new but the frames were slightly damaged in shipping. He has sold 8 of them to various folks who all said that they still work well. I haven't seen any photos, but I'm going to go by and check them out in person on Friday.

I'm familiar with using a multimeter and I think I know everything I need to know about testing them to see how the open circuit voltage & short circuit current compares to the numbers that they are rated for. Assuming that they test out OK, and I can pick out the best looking one or two with a frame that's mostly in good shape but perhaps slightly bent or dinged up a bit, is there any reason to avoid this sort of thing? Potential for rainwater to seep into the cells maybe?

The price that the seller wants makes it come out to about $0.70/watt which is pretty darn cheap, considering that if I bought a new one at full price I'd still have to throw down a bunch of cash for shipping so I'd be saving quite a bit here. This could get me a lot more watts than I was originally shooting for with my budget.

 

[coultergeist]

Hi,

I'd say if the glass is still intact and that the voltages all check out then it's probably a good deal. Most frames are aluminum and bend fairly easily. Depending on how you mount it, you may have to drill your own holes anyway. It would be worth looking at.

Patrick

 

[akrvbob]

That sounds good to me. Remember, that even new panels come with two warranties: 1) on the frame itself and it is usually for a year, and if you drill a hole in the frame you void its warranty 2) on it's production of electricity which is usually good for 20-25 years.

So it's possible you will still have a warranty on their electric production or that the seller will give it a warranty.

There is a place in Phoenix that sells blemished panels and they come with a 25 year warranty on power production. I have a friend who bought one and they have been trouble-free for 5 years now.
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bob, will you be so kind as to post the name og the company that sell blem panels in Phoenix??

Thanks

 

[loess]

Thanks for your comments, Bob & Patrick! I drove out and took a look yesterday. Frames were actually in perfect condition, but unfortunately, every single module had shattered glass (and they'd been stored wet stacked flat outside so I'm guessing the PV cells were probably drenched). By the time I got there it was sunset and I didn't even bother testing any of them. Didn't know that about the warranties, Bob. I'll be sure to take a look at the warranty info on any future used panels that I come across.

 

[akrvbob]

This is the warehouse in Phoenix:
http://sunelec.com/phoenix-warehouse/

They are a huge outfit and don't do well with small orders. So you have to call them to get your info and order it. They do have great prices. Their phone number is at the top of the page.
Bob