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PV Panel Repair 101

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SparWeb:
We still don't know how many panels are being scrapped every year in Canada, or the USA or Europe.  So it's not clear yet how much waste can be diverted by PV panel repair.

Later discussions with the folks who attended the seminar has been about the later use of these repaired panels.  You can't grid-tie them.  We can't repair panels in a way specified by the panel manufacturers.  Simple reason:

Manufacturers of PV Panels do not provide repair instructions to the public.

You cannot follow instructions that you cannot read.  I believe in "the right to repair" so this has been bothering me.  If I have a grid-tied system, but one of my panels has failed, should I repair or replace it?  Currently, my only choice is to replace the panel, because repairs are forbidden.
As a result, any PV panel repair causes the CSA or CE or UL certification of the panel to be invalidated.
No grid-tie allowed.

Our discussions have led us toward other uses, such as education, charitable donations for 3rd world countries, and citizen science projects.  There are plenty of things in these categories that solar panels can do!  Unfortunately, because of the certification issue, many people that we could get scrapped panels from (installation companies) will react quickly to our request and say "NO", thinking we want to spread a hodge-podge of half-fixed panels on our houses.

clockmanFRA:
Hay Harold.

Try these folk, they are in Europe and even Canada.

http://www.emat-uk.com/home/clearance

They do re-cycled panels by the lorry load.

These are my favourites and the costs are good if you are willing to check and repair where necessary.....

..........- 500 Modules SOLARWORLD SW260 (Used during around 4-5 years, no snails trails, and re-packed in pallets) at 0,155€ / Wp the lot



Never used this company as my maximum quantity buy is maybe 20 at a time.
But they do give me some idea of the market for used/second hand price ranges.

Mary B:
Off grid use no certification required. None of my panels are UL listed.

SparWeb:
Clockman,
You are always so resourceful!  Thanks
All of the products and prices on their site are at a EU port of entry.

clockmanFRA:
I think they are based in France, French folk when I last spoke to them, so hence the Canada connection.

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