How to Get Solar Panels for Free

Knowing where to look is the key to finding free solar panels.

Solar panels are very effective in lowering and even eliminating your home's energy bill, but the initial investment in a solar panel can be pricey. Free solar panels are available if you know where to look. However, understand that anything free may not be the latest design, may be damaged or inoperable in some way. Finding free solar panels is strictly a do-it-yourself project that may involve electrical experience to make these types of solar panels viable for electricity production.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Phone
• Sharp eyes

Instructions

1. Solar panels are everywhere if you just look for them. Many construction crews and traffic systems use solar energy. When they become slightly damaged or cracked, they need to be replaced. It is expensive for a company to dispose of their solar panels, and a lot of times they would rather give them away than deal with the costs. Take advantage of this situation and find out some contact information. When you see a solar panel on a traffic light or sign, take a moment to copy down the phone number. Call the company and ask if you could have their "broken" solar panels. Even if there are cracks or flaws, the solar panel is not useless. It's efficiency might decrease, but with some DIY electrical experience, they can be wired to work

2. Place an ad in a local newspaper or online. People may be upgrading their system and are willing to give their older solar panels away to someone, particularly if soemone is willing to put in the work and dismantle them.

3. Locate solar cell manufacturing companies through phone books or online. If a solar panel does not put out the correct amount of voltage, even if it is off by a small percentage, the panel is generally disposed of. Although not up to correct voltage specifications, the panel is still functional and may be had for free by calling and inquiring with the company.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies may not want to give solar panels away for free. If they ask a price, try bartering with them.