Watch out for stolen solar panels

Stolen solar panels are turning up on the second-hand market with increasing regularity.  Thieves looking to make a quick buck may rip off panels from homes, businesses and even utilities, and then sell them to unsuspecting consumers.  Purchasers may not even be aware that the solar panels are “hot,” because Craig’s List and similar classified ad sites do not include a rating system for sellers.

Interest in installing solar panels to defray electricity costs and reduce carbon footprints has lead to a growing second-hand solar panel market.  Used solar panels can be found on the Internet and probably even around your hometown.

If you don’t want to get caught in the middle of a theft ring, be sure to purchase from a reliable, reputable source.

Tempting to solar panel theives

Retailing for approximately $1500 a piece, the panels may be offered at bargain discount rates if they are stolen solar panels.   And just because they are in good shape doesn’t necessarily mean that they are legit.  Some people in the solar panel industry have been caught in the theft rings, utilizing their knowledge of assembly and dis-assembly.

To prevent becoming a target of solar panel thieves, home and business owners have been installing security video cameras and alarms.  In Europe, where solar power is more entrenched, some even engrave serial numbers on panels and use hard to unscrew versions.

A solar energy investment is at the level of purchasing a new, luxury car.  In a single swipe, you can lose $30-50,000 worth of panels, depending on the system and your location.  Schools, government buildings and even highway signs are all potential targets.

Have you been the victim of solar panel thieves?  How would you guard against stolen solar panels?

Used Solar Panels are an affordable green investment

Used solar panels may be an option for you, if you want to go green but are worried about the price of such an investment.  While I like to surf eBay for discount handbags and earrings, who knew that people interested in DIY projects can also find solar panels at a bargain price?

Other sites like Craig’s List, or even the classified section of your local newspaper may list used solar panels for sale  Another great resource for second-hand solar panels is to check with construction companies or re-modelers.  If you can afford to wait a little bit, you may totally score if a building needs to upgrade its solar power system, removes its solar hot water system, or will be torn down for a new structure.  Just tell them that you are on the lookout for hand-me-down solar panels, whether PV or thermal.

It can be a win-win for both of you!  You get solar panels or thermal solar panels at a great price, and they don’t need to worry about disposing of silicon and other potentially hazardous materials. Check out this video from solardave.com:

As noted in the video above, there is probably more of a market for used solar thermal panels than used solar PV panels.  Still, don’t discount the idea of finding yourself a bargain!  Some people enjoy installing the latest, and greatest models.  With the generous tax credits and other incentives available, your neighbor may just be inspired to invest in an upgrade.  Thank goodness you’ll be there to take his “leftovers.”

Used solar panels (thermal) are fixed up before installation

The primary cost you’ll have with respect to used solar panels will be the cost of installation and wiring.  You may want to invest a bit of the money you saved to hire an electrician to make sure that the older panels are set up correctly and operative.

Many solar and thermal panels come with a warranty of up to 20 years.  There can still be a lot of life left in discarded solar panels.

Put on your bargain-hunting hat and have some fun!  Trust me, saving money is a blast!

Saving the environment too – it feels even better.