So here are the stats, 36- opps.. wrong stats...
The cells are all in what looks to be EXCELENT CONDITION!!! A bonus!
None are broken in the 3 pounds that I have purchased first. This is the first shipment.. I have another 10 pounds coming..
I got about 50-60 cells per pound it looks like. They are EXTREEMLY WELL PACKAGED. 3 layers of bubble wrap, double boxed and extra card board, and more bubble wrap. Plus they are also wrapped in Brawnee wrap. All in all Excelent packaging.
The cells where listed as seconds on the package and on the ebay site.. What does this mean? Exactly what it says. The cells either have some very light cosmetic issues such as slight glass folding (during the manufacturing process)-Looks like a paint is applyied that is not exactly level, its like highs and lows, but so small that you can't even feel it..You can see it however. (which would not effect the cell performance), corners that are very very slightly chipped, again - based upon the damage of the cell we are talking no effect the cell performance.. Basically the cells did not pass quality assurance for 100%. But I would say they are about 95-97 % good.
The photos do no justice to how pretty and COOL they really look. A very deep deep purple/light blue color. Very high light reflectivity.
What appears to be the main problem with these cells is that the ribbon connections as shown in the photo (ignore the blemish and the dirt on my scanner- this cell is perfect) are coming off and need to be resoldered. This is almost the case on every cell received. This is also a minor issue if you are good at soldering.
The cells are EXTREEMLY THIN!!!!! They are like a sheet of paper and fragile. They will break under any strain. This was something I didn't expect.
As for connections: it looks like the front connections are for the actual cell and a rear connection needs to be soldered somewhere on the back of the cell.
If you are going to buy these cells, BE REALLY GOOD AT SOLDERING!!! I would say every cell is going to need it, and that means low temps, excellent silver solder and good technique.
All in all - A GREAT DEAL- BUY IT!!
For Canada Readers- I paid $40 shipping (this was exceptionally high-do not know why- the shipping bill says they only paid $22.15 for the shipping- so know that we are getting ripped on that one) I estimate that I will get another bill yet for duty, gst & pst. Still if you estimate it out, it would come out to about $2 to $3 per cell. Not bad except for the shipping costs.