Fieldlines.com || Make your electricity from scratch!

Front Page - [Homebrewed Electricity-- (wind) (solar) (hydro) (steam) (controls) (storage) (mechanical)] - Classifieds - Site News
Everything - Newbies - [Remote Living-- (housing) (heat) (light) (water)] - Reviews - Diaries - Our Products

Would you buy these?
By gizmoguy, Section Solar Posted on Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 09:40:49 PM MST
6 solar panels, 750w total, $1100 including uni-strut for holding them.

3 Solarex MSX110's
1 Solarex SX110
2 Matrix 155s
All used, all in good condition and fully functional according to the ad.
My question is, am I getting a good deal at $1.47 per watt for used cells or should I keep searching? I don't know anything about those brands, is it bad to buy off brand, or are solar cells all the same?
Thanks!
Gizmoguy

Would you buy these? | 3 comments (3 topical)

Re: Would you buy these? (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by dnix71 on Sat Oct 17, 2009 at 05:19:48 PM MST

The Matrix 155's were 24v unless you ordered them set up for 12v.

The stuff is "older" but all commercial grade. The Solarex's were California certified.
California only rated the 110's at 95 watts and the Matrix 155 had minimum specs at 147 watts, so you are paying maybe $1.63/watt.

If they are clean then it's a fair deal. I would be happy with that.

Re: Would you buy these? (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by ghurd on Sat Oct 17, 2009 at 06:06:22 PM MST

The US made 72 cell Matrix's could be connected for 12V or 24V with a couple jumpers in the box. Not a big deal.
There is a chance a few of the very earliest production were 24V only, but I doubt it.

The Solarexs are getting pretty old now. I would look for obvious yellowing or large light silvery areas (usually caused by overheating due to improper mounting) which can indicate they won't put out so well.
This is an extreme example of a shot panel,
http://www.fieldlines.com/images/scimages/7917/Old_panel_detail.jpg

G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Would you buy these? (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by gizmoguy on Thu Oct 22, 2009 at 08:04:07 AM MST

I did end up purchasing these panels and I am very pleased with them. Thank you all for helping a solar newbie!

Gizmoguy

Would you buy these? | 3 comments (3 topical)

Menu

· create account
· How to use the board
· FAQs
· search the board
· Google search the board

Login

Make a new account

Username:

Password:

Total Views

124 Scoop users have viewed this posting.

Related Links

· Also by gizmoguy

You must be a registered user to post here. It's easy and free, and the link is on the upper right side of your page.
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Postings are owned by the poster, but may be deleted or moved at the ADMIN's sole discretion. The Rest © 2009 Forcefield.
You can Email the board ADMIN here. PLEASE include the username you signed up with!