Newbie question on system for sale

jespo27 · #1 07-26-2009, 02:03 AM

I am just starting and admittedly know little about solar, but have an opportunity(?) to buy a system about a year old. It was removed from roof by homeowner before his house was foreclosed. (his story anyway).
What he has is : a 6kw system of 30 sharp 216w panels and a fronius (?) IG ARg (?) inverter with built in ac/dc disconnect. no rails, wire or anything else.
I do know enough to meter each panel to make sure the panels work. I think the way is to cover panel, hook up meter then expose panel to sun and check reading.
I could probably get the panels and inverter for about $12k. I don't know if any rebates would be available buying a system in this manner, it would be nice if there were.It seems like a good price.
Maybe the action would be to pay a solar installer to evaluate this equipment.
Would appreciate any thoughts or warnings on this type of product and transaction.

**paul** · #2 07-26-2009, 01:12 PM

since you will need parts anyway i would call a local solar company. they would have someone to look at what you have and what you will need and probably be able to test it for you. it may cost even less to get it all working then you may think. also these local solar company's know everything thier is about the rebates. they know them inside and out because it is an important part of their buisness. let us know how things progress

jespo27 · #3 07-26-2009, 03:13 PM

thanks for info

**greencat** · #4 07-27-2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jespo27

I am just starting and admittedly know little about solar, but have an opportunity(?) to buy a system about a year old. It was removed from roof by homeowner before his house was foreclosed. (his story anyway).
What he has is : a 6kw system of 30 sharp 216w panels and a fronius (?) IG ARg (?) inverter with built in ac/dc disconnect. no rails, wire or anything else.
I do know enough to meter each panel to make sure the panels work. I think the way is to cover panel, hook up meter then expose panel to sun and check reading.
I could probably get the panels and inverter for about $12k. I don't know if any rebates would be available buying a system in this manner, it would be nice if there were.It seems like a good price.
Maybe the action would be to pay a solar installer to evaluate this equipment.
Would appreciate any thoughts or warnings on this type of product and transaction.

Congrats on a good deal. 6KW with 30 panels is a pretty big system. Over 6000 watts. Depending on your eletricity use and battery storage it should provide most of your needs if not all. If you live in a windy area and if the laws permit a wind turbine would polish it off into a complete system. Or you could simply sell off the excess to the eletric company.

We have a section in a different forum of each state and what the rebate may be. There should be a phone number or email address to contact state officials and see where you stand going green.

I am not sure how to check volts or watts on a wireless system. It seems that there has to be a wire somewhere on the system. The inverter may have an input/output gage on it.

myocardia · #5 07-29-2009, 01:02 PM

I would be very cautious. I can assure you that people who take apart their own EV system don't just forget about the other few thousand dollars worth of parts, rails, wire, breakers, breaker boxes, disconnects, etc. That's the type of thing that thieves do, unfortunately.

It's a good deal, but only if he's telling the truth, and/or you don't get caught with stolen panels and inverter. If he isn't telling the truth, and the people whom he took the panels from find out, they can bring the police to your house, while they/someone they hired removes their stolen property from your house. I'm not sure which state you live in, but in most states, it makes no difference how many times something is sold after its stolen. The original owner still owns it. I wouldn't buy them unless he can produce the receipts/invoices for the products. Good luck either way.