REC 260PE Z-Link Used Panels - $75

[Stevelk]

Hi everyone.

Anybody know about or have experience/opinion regarding these panels? They are government surplus, used panels. I have to pick them up, which is fortunately pretty easy for me. 260 Watts. Looks like they're about 6 years old. Not sure how much risk there is or how easy it is to make sure I get good panels.

FYI, waiting on my new LFP batteries to build a ~10kWh 48V system.

Thanks for any help.

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Stevelk

 

[snoobler]

No experience. Worth testing Voc and Isc to conform label performance.

Video of how to test a solar panel

I just released this video of how to test a solar panel with a multi meter. I thought it might be helpful to some beginners.

diysolarforum.com

Carefully inspect front and back surfaces and connectors for damage. Recent post showed issues with white panel backing cracking after 6-7 years (can't remember if it was brand specific).

If the price is right, and they all test good, it's probably a good deal.

 

[apctjb]

REC panels are very high quality and unless they were abused should provide a +20 year lifetime.

Full disclosure; I may be biased; I was involved with the company.

 

[Stevelk]

Hi everyone.

Anybody know about or have experience/opinion regarding these panels? They are government surplus, used panels. I have to pick them up, which is fortunately pretty easy for me. 260 Watts. Looks like they're about 6 years old. Not sure how much risk there is or how easy it is to make sure I get good panels.

FYI, waiting on my new LFP batteries to build a ~10kWh 48V system.

Thanks for any help.

--
Stevelk

Well I've got my 16 new 280 Ah lfp batteries. I guess I need to top them off but then I need to figure out what to do with an inverter and buy panels. Really feel like now, after waiting an extra month to get the batteries I need to get some panels and an inverter so I can make some electricity.?

 

[phubner]

Hi everyone.

Anybody know about or have experience/opinion regarding these panels? They are government surplus, used panels. I have to pick them up, which is fortunately pretty easy for me. 260 Watts. Looks like they're about 6 years old. Not sure how much risk there is or how easy it is to make sure I get good panels.

FYI, waiting on my new LFP batteries to build a ~10kWh 48V system.

Thanks for any help.

--
Stevelk

I mounted 2 in series on my RV and they seem to be working fine (as of Mar 2022). They are flat mounted so not optimal, but I am maxing about 420W in full sun.