Are used solar panels worth the effort

[urgeoverkill]

I found some panels off a hows that can be had for very little.

These are manufactured panels not home built.

I think they are by nova (nova90 is on the conrolers and pump)

Am I wasting my time? what is the service life of most panels? these appear about 15 years old already

Thanks in advance

Dave

[Mike90250]

Water heating panels that are 15 years old, are aproaching the end of their life, but if the price is right, and you are able to mount and use them - go for it.

[sundug]

Using older SHW collectors

I have a 30 yr old SHW collector still working on my roof. http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects...SolarWater.htm
The fiberglass insulation has gotten wet, and should be replaced with isocyanurate foam board, but as long as the box, glazing and plumbing are good, use it. Doug

[lile001]

I found some panels off a hows that can be had for very little.

These are manufactured panels not home built.

I think they are by nova (nova90 is on the conrolers and pump)

Am I wasting my time? what is the service life of most panels? these appear about 15 years old already

Thanks in advance

Dave

Depends on whether they leak, and how broke you are. If they've froze and bust, forget them. If they hold 100PSI overnight, why not? Maybe you'll get another ten years out of them. New equipment will always last longer then used, as a general rule. On the other hand, if installing solar stuff is fun (I sure think it is a blast!) then with a used panel, you get to do a fun job twice!

[rimpa001]

I found some panels off a hows that can be had for very little.

These are manufactured panels not home built.

I think they are by nova (nova90 is on the conrolers and pump)

Am I wasting my time? what is the service life of most panels? these appear about 15 years old already

Thanks in advance

Dave

commercial solar panels typically test at 14% to 16% efficiency.Commercially manufactured solar cells using silicon wafer have the advantage of not breaking down over longer periods of time. They are also capable of maintaining an indefinite source of electrical power, provided that the capsulated and conductive leads remain undamaged.

[peakbagger]

Home Power Magazine had an article about buying old solar hot water panels a few years ago with suggestions on how to test them and also listed which panel brands were potentially worth buying. Some of the older panels had delmaination issues between the riser tubes and the fins which reduced their efficiency. Many ofthe older units had plastic glazing and that definitely should be replaced.