Have Been Offered a Used Solar Panel & Controller for Free. What Can I Use It for?

LBOGOF on 29/10/2021 - 11:06

A neighbour will be removing a small solar install, which was previously used to power a 12v water pump. He has offered to me:-

1 x 80w Sharp solar panel (1200 x 537 x46mm) - working
1 x 10 amp 12v controller rated to 170w - working
1 x 12v 90ah VRLA battery - not working
1 x Shurflo 12v water pump - probably not working

All components are now 13 years old.

I don't need a water pump, and already have low voltage, low wattage garden lights. Is there anything else I could use it for? Or politely decine the offer?

Electrical & Electronics Solar Energy System

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 29/10/2021 - 11:17

    use it for camping gears? you probably need to buy a battery tho.

    • BOGOF on 29/10/2021 - 11:23

      good idea, but don't camp.

      • cameldownunder on 29/10/2021 - 16:10

        You can power LED outdoor strips.

        • BOGOF on 29/10/2021 - 17:33

          True. However, I already have low voltage LED garden lights installed, and I would have to buy a new battery.

  • Lichen6420 on 29/10/2021 - 11:28
    +1

    He just doesn't want to take it to the dump… it is just junk.

  • iDroid on 29/10/2021 - 11:29

    Honestly, that technology is very old and not overly useful. 80w in today's standards is tiny.

    Actual second hand value is likley about $20 - $50 for the panel + controller for someone who has use for it.

    For everyone else, it's land fill.

  • Hithere on 29/10/2021 - 11:59
    +2

    You'll get a few dollars for the metal in the frames.

    Wait for hard rubbish collection day put it out and let the scroungers take it.

  • Seraphin7 on 29/10/2021 - 12:25
    +1

    Just cut to the chase … pay old mate the tip fees and the value of his time to take it there.

    Because that's what you'll be incurring not long after taking possession.

    • BOGOF on 29/10/2021 - 12:26
      +2

      Looks like it. Will politely decline.

  • pharkurnell on 29/10/2021 - 12:44
    +1

    Put on nature strip with DO NOT TAKE sign on it…

  • Cyphar on 29/10/2021 - 15:37

    The controller might have a USB port or two? If so you can use it to charge a device

    • BOGOF on 29/10/2021 - 17:34

      No USB ports. It is old and simple. I'll let the neighbour dispose of it.

  • tunzafun001 on 31/10/2021 - 16:02

    Buy a kiddie Kmart blow up pool, grab some Black irrigation hose from Bunnings.

    Coil the hose in full sun, away from wind.

    Connect to the supplied pump/ filter.

    You now have a solar powered spa bath.

    Could also charge drill batteries, run PC fans on your home solar inverter for better efficiency, trickle charge a car battery, charge a power bank…etc etc

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