[VACList] #4 Solar - cost and opinions

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 06/30/02 7:00 PM, tylerbears@airstream.net wrote:

> Hi Jill,
> 
> This post was in reply to comments by Richard, Dan and Daniel during the
> Winter of 2000. In my opinion, the concepts are still as applicable today as
> back then.
> 
> Terry
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> 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. This is easily done when several people
> on an email list dig out the details locally and share them with the list.
> 
> 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 and/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