The energy that comes from the sun is free.  Free solar panels, on the other hand, are hard to find.

You might be at a loss as to where to start looking for free solar panels.  Keep an eye out for solar panels that are being used to power traffic lighting and construction signage.  See if you can find contact information for the suppliers in the phone directory or on the panels themselves.  These businesses may have damaged solar panels taking up space in their garage.  They might be happy to let someone take them off their hands for little or no money.  Visiting in person is more effective than trying to convince someone over the phone.  Be very friendly because you never know which contact has the potential to become a continuous source of useful free stuff.  Bring a meter with you .  You should buy (or borrow) a meter that can measure the volts and amps.  You want to avoid wasting you time, gas and possibly money on a solar panel that does not generate any electricity.

Solar cells are easily damaged, but they can be used to build less than perfect looking solar panels.  If you can’t find a source of free damaged solar cells, look to some of the bigger retailers for cheap grab bags of damaged cells.   These kits can be useful for practicing the basic skills that you need to build you own solar panels.

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