[VAC] Solar Panels (3 of 3) cost? + opinions

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Solar Enthusiasts,
This post was in reply to comments by Richard, Danand Daniel during the
Winter of 2000. In my opinion, the concepts are still as applicable today as
back then.
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net
------------------------------------

Thanks for your comments on "Solar - Simple Solutions" and "Solar - More
Choices." The question of cost is always a factor. Here's my unabashed,
biased opinion <grin>.

Cost varies widely, dramatically and often without regard to logic. Those
who buy from retailers selling new products will pay the most. Those who buy
from businessmen selling used products will probably (?) pay less. Those who
buy from a discounted parts place (scavengered parts) will pay considerably
less. Those who buy panels off a wrecked Airstream in a junk yard will pay
even less. Those who buy from private owners who just want a few bucks and
have the buyer cart them off will pay the least (maybe). There are other
categories (rallies, hamfests, etc.), but these examples give a general idea
of where this line of thinking is going.

What I can suggest is that better than average prices can almost always be
found by investigating 12 or more sources, documenting the details
systematically and then comparing and contrasting the variables. The wider
the variety of sources, the better.

The solar panels on our '77 31' were purchased during the 1980s from a
reputable businessman who was clearing out an over supply of used 53 watt
solar panels at a few dollars above cost.

This winter (2000), we've seen prices for 53 watt panels in the $200-$300
range. Over by Algodones, Mexico, there's a solar guy parked out in the
desert doing a land office business. I'm sure his prices are even less. At
the Hobo Rally last week in Blythe, the solar guy (AJL) was selling and
installing solar panels every day.

For an economical buy from the most honest and reliable solar guy we know,
RV Solar Electric in Scottsdale (800-999-8520) gets my vote, plus he
installs them or provides a booklet on how you can install them.

In my opinion, the cost of solar panels (and most everything else in this
world) is dependent on whether the buyer prefers traditional purchasing
methods or thrives on searching for treasures. I believe serendipity is
always alive and well, and all I need do is search, search, and search some
more, with great persistence. Almost always, I find what I look for, at the
price I want to pay, with the quality I want and rarely any surprises
afterwards.

Simple, huh? One more thing. By the time I'm ready to take out my wallet, I
usually know more about all aspects of the product I'm buying than the
salesman selling it to me. And, I'm no expert. Thus, if I don't understand
most of what a salesman is telling me, then it's not my time to buy.

Terry mailto: 
tylerbears@airstream.net