Buying Solar panels...

[BradKW]

Even though I don't have the vehicle yet, I'm considering shopping components. Actually, I shop them all the time, so more accurate would be I'm thinking about buying stuff when I find a good deal. Just missed a nice Honda EU2000 for $500 last week. 

But anyway, there's rarely anything of interest for panels locally and shipping on the big ones isn't cheap. I'm aiming for around 600 watts and think that the larger 24v panels make sense. I just spotted this ad the other day and will probably go take a look this weekend:

]325 Watt solar panels - $198 (Rockland Key)
https://keys.craigslist.org/for/5561984824.html

What should I beware of? Is there a way to test panels that gives a reliable indicator? That looks like a considerable savings...I'm not necessarily opposed to not getting the "best" but getting "good" and saving a fair amount...

 

[GotSmart]

Depending on the brand, that might be a deal.  That also might be stolen goods with a serial number. :dodgy:  Those are household units used for whole house systems and for utility solar fields. 

I have a call into "Pete" and we will see what his story is.  Nobody comes across a palate of solar panels every day. Especially for 1/2 price.

 

[29chico]

Not enough info to go on.  See if the seller will send you a pic of the spec sticker on the back.  If no spec sticker I would not bother.

Are you ever up to Sarasota?  CED Greentech at 2460 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34237  941-365-0670 is good to deal with.  I bought 3 LG 315 watt panels from them here in Chico.

 

[BradKW]

Not enough info to go on.  See if the seller will send you a pic of the spec sticker on the back.  If no spec sticker I would not bother.

Are you ever up to Sarasota?  CED Greentech at 2460 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34237  941-365-0670 is good to deal with.  I bought 3 LG 315 watt panels from them here in Chico.

It's just up the road, so I'll take a look and hopefully post more info this weekend. Sarasota is definitely a bit of a haul, but within the realm of possibility. I know Vitrifrigo's main distribution hub is in Lauderdale, so I could see making a big loop picking up panels, batteries, fridge, etc... and "etc" may include any number of materials as what's actually available in Key West is limited and high priced.

 

[BradKW]

 Those are household units used for whole house systems and for utility solar fields. 

...and box truck roofs    

 

[GotSmart]

...and box truck roofs    

My point was they could have been "lifted" from some construction project.  The whole ad seems shifty to me. Why sell something like that for 1/2 value?  Take a couple people along when checking this out.  It was posted 3 weeks ago.

300W renogy sell for $265.00 plus shipping. Shipping is the same for several as for one.

 

[BradKW]

Shipping is the same for several as for one.

yeah, and I may end up going that route...but paying $250 shipping just kinda makes me want to throw up a little...

 

[phillipaaron]

I purchased a 230watt 24v panel from a CL seller in Houston for $160 and had other options to choose from. This guy seemed legit, had a bunch of panels all boxed up in bulk in his garage. House was decked out with panels, nice house too. Suppose they could buy in bulk and pickup themselves to save shipping costs.

 

[jimindenver]

That's a decent deal on that size panel, nothing wonderful.

Get a brand, they may be white sheet. Are they new? warranty?

Take a multimeter with you, one that can handle more than 10a. With the panel tracking the sun check for voltage, it should be close to the stat. Then short it with the amp meter to see if it matches there too. At altitude the panel should exceed rating.

My first two panels were installer left overs for $50 each. I heard the same they are stolen or there is something wrong with them. The next set were $85 each and most recently I could have picked up 12 290w panels for $1000. I had to pass as I am currently on restrictions of no more than 10 pounds.

325w panels are a foot longer than 24v panels.

 

[dkh1020]

Even though I don't have the vehicle yet, I'm considering shopping components. Actually, I shop them all the time, so more accurate would be I'm thinking about buying stuff when I find a good deal. Just missed a nice Honda EU2000 for $500 last week. 

But anyway, there's rarely anything of interest for panels locally and shipping on the big ones isn't cheap. I'm aiming for around 600 watts and think that the larger 24v panels make sense. I just spotted this ad the other day and will probably go take a look this weekend:

]325 Watt solar panels - $198 (Rockland Key)
https://keys.craigslist.org/for/5561984824.html

What should I beware of? Is there a way to test panels that gives a reliable indicator? That looks like a considerable savings...I'm not necessarily opposed to not getting the "best" but getting "good" and saving a fair amount...

I would test the panels with a voltage meter to make sure they are actually putting out power. There should be a label on the back with the panel specs.  They may not put out the spec voltage due to sun conditions but in the bright sun, they should come close. That said, I would suggest new panels from Renogy. They are relatively inexpensive and they back up their product. Their customer service is fantastic. I have 4 of their 250 Watt panels and am extremely pleased with them.

 

[akrvbob]

One of the cheapest places anywhere for solar panels is in Miami. They also have a branch in Phoenix and I've bought from them before.

They have SUPER prices, .50 to .70 cents a watt. But they sell in huge quantities and only a few of them will they sell in small amounts. When I bought from them they sold a minimum of 2 each. I just had a friend buy from them and now it is a minimum of 4 each. It might be worth it! If two of you go together than you've got it made.

Don't try to deal with them by email--it's hopeless. Call and talk to a human.
http://sunelec.com/
Bob

 

[IanC]

I saw these on my local Craigslist. http://westernmass.craigslist.org/rvs/5592000844.html Something about the wording set off an alarm. Many moons ago I was approached by a guy in a van with the identical story , except he was selling stereo speakers (in the day when the ultimate was to have massive speaker cabinets in your living room ). I thought I had hit the jackpot until they blew out almost immediately. I opened them up and they were tiny speakers in a huge cabinet.

I later found out that it was a nationwide scam.

Of course that might have nothing to do with your deal, but I sure have noticed a lot of solar panel ads on CL lately.

 

[BradKW]

One of the cheapest places anywhere for solar panels is in Miami.  They also have a branch in Phoenix and I've bought from them before.

They have SUPER prices, .50 to .70 cents a watt. But they sell in huge quantities and only a few of them will they sell in small amounts. When I bought from them they sold a minimum of 2 each. I just had a friend buy from them and now it is a minimum of 4 each. It might be worth it! If two of you go together than you've got it made.

Don't try to deal with them by email--it's hopeless. Call and talk to a human.
http://sunelec.com/
Bob

Funny you should say that...I sent them a couple emails over a month ago and never even got an automated reply. 

I haven't searched deep into their inventory because everything I saw was 4pc minimum...which was the nature of my email inquiry. 

I remember thinking about joining "John's" blog list...he kinda seems like a cross between a crazy mattress salesman, Al Gore and Donald Trump...