Considering used solar from CL

[Kozi_Kidy]

Found this ad on Craigslist. Its 295 watt panels for $75 .They are cracked but still at 80% capacity according to seller. Would you buy that? I don't know what size they are I'd have to ask.

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/ele/d/295-watt-solar-panels-cracked/6714830698.html

 

[highdesertranger]

I myself would not buy them. if the glass is cracked they probably are not water tight anymore. a couple good rain storms and that would be it. besides he said the output is 80% but the way he wants you to check is a no-load situation. I wonder what the output is under a load. highdesertranger

 

[Blanch]

No. I would not buy it. This lifestyle is tough on equipment, something already cracked isn’t going to last long.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[John61CT]

Definitely not.

If everything checked out as **perfect** I'd only pay 20-30% of new price.

 

[Seminole Wind]

i would stay away from them unless you are really up on how to test output as a volt meter will not tell you what you need to know. it is very possible these are still putting out reasonable power. but with cracked glass ( looks more like shattered) they are going to degrade quick and may even fail. also consider that the manufacturers warranty will not apply so when they do go south youre done. no recourse.

used panels in the 50 cent a watt range are a good deal if in good condition. less than that is a steal

 

[jimindenver]

Every panel I have bought has been off craigslist but I would not touch a cracked panel even if it was free.

 

[Kozi_Kidy]

Thank you everyone. Not knowing anything about panels I thought it would NOT be a good idea but I wanted to check with people in the know. THANK YOU

 

[highdesertranger]

seeking knowledge is always a good thing. highdesertranger