I would like to know of any construction companies, road crews, or any company that uses solar panels in the Tampa area and throws them away. I like to recycle solar panels by repairing and processing what power I can from them. Know any companies that throw out used solar panels? If so, can you provide the name and number?
When you pass a sign- look at the back of it for a name. Often the company that rented them out will have their name on the back. Call them.
Test the battery. Connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to the positive and negative probes of the voltmeter. If a voltage is read, the battery is still good. Remember, however, that this is a rechargeable battery, so if it is dead, it can be recharged.
Check out home power magazine for the list of vender's. Construction companies typically return damaged panels to the distributor or manufacturer for credit. The companies may have an inventory of goods for sale. Also, check out large insurance companies (Nationwide) to see what they do with panels they write off as catastrophic loss when a homeowner or business files a claim. Hope this helps
Used solar panels are usually a great bargain. Unless there is obvious major damage, you are most likely making a very safe and thrifty purchase--and if you can test the panels with a multimeter in full sunlight before purchase, you are almost guaranteed a functional panel. Nobody really knows what the lifespan of a solar panel is, since many of the very first panels are still in operation. I have three very old Arcos on my house, and they are still performing well. However, used panel prices have
