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WA - Cheap Solar Panels. Myth??

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 13:32

Steve

I finally bought a second hand Trak Shak from a dealer in Perth a few weeks ago and am busting to give it a good run. As I was hooking it up another customer was telling me there is a guy who buys all of Telstra's old Solar Panels and sells them cheap in Mandurah. I have looked everywhere and am beginning to think he doesn't exist.

Does anyone know how to contact this guy?

Also, would this type of panel be OK to whack on the roof of the camper?
ThreadID: 8305 Replies: 6
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AnswerID: 36202   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 16:05

Member - Bob replied:

Steve,
you come across a lot of disused solar panels in the bush. They are generally located next to old microwave towers. All you need are wire cutters and a shifter.Bob
Reply 1 of 6
FollowupID: 26092   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 17:04

joc45 posted:

Bob, I assume you're jesting, but regardless, the posting seems to add legitimacy to an illegal activity.
If Telstra have left the panels there, it's most likely they're still on a working system.
Gerry
FollowUp 1 of 5
FollowupID: 26105   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 18:28

Brett posted:

A lot of the stations are de commisioned but can be put into service if an emergengy demands.

Also I believe some of these stations power the directional beacons for aircraft.
FollowUp 2 of 5
FollowupID: 26110   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 19:07

joc45 posted:

Also, some towers may no longer carry microwave traffic, but are fitted with other services, like individual customers on UHF fixed services. Generally these will be remote sites where the service could mean life or death.
Some years ago, Telstra lost a multitude of panels (theft) from 5 consecutive microwave sites up in Qld. It put a major system out for a week or so, isolating whole towns.
FollowUp 3 of 5
FollowupID: 26150   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 07:10

Member - Bob posted:

Gerry,
sorry, forgot the ;-).
Where I come from jokes don't add legitimacy to anything.Bob
FollowUp 4 of 5
FollowupID: 26154   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 07:37

Wazza (Vic) posted:

Yeah, Vicroads had problems when they first installed solar charged lighting towers in parking areas on the side of the highways. Too easy to unbolt, pull over and pinch the goodies.Cheers,
Wazza
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FollowUp 5 of 5
AnswerID: 36204   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 16:09

Member - Melissa replied:

Steve,

Haven't heard of him but am interested myself. I'm in Mandurah so I'll ask around. BTW, now you've joined the ranks of the campertrailer brigade, drop into the WA campertrailer list. We're having a weekend get together soon which you might be interested in.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
Reply 2 of 6
FollowupID: 26138   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 22:08

Member - Bigbear posted:

Hi Melissa

Am also in Mandurah and if you find any info on the solar panels would appreciate a line if you so feel like i t. Will do some checking myself and let you know if I find anything.
thanksBush Bappo's 4WD Club
Get out there & have a look
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 36242   Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 22:23

joc45 replied:

I recall some time ago that the 12 Volt Shop in Perth used to buy in ex-Telstra panels. Dunno what price they flogged them at, but I guess when retailing new ones as well, the s/h ones are at a price "which the market will bear".
Gerry
Reply 3 of 6
AnswerID: 36276   Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 10:34

Mark from Getaway Portable Refrigerator Hire replied:

Steve, the panels are more than likely brought at auction from someone like Ross's Auctions in Maylands who Telstra place their old panels through. They vary in quality from reasonalble to poor. A few people buy a swag of them with the view of selling for a profit. They were 37Watt (I think). If you purchased one, then it was recommended that you carry the purchase doc as Telstra may ask where you came by them. The prices at auction were $60 through to $120 and they were about 15 years old.

Hope this helps.

Mark
Reply 4 of 6
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AnswerID: 36581   Submitted: Friday, Nov 07, 2003 at 21:50

Bill replied:

why doncha buy a 10 ma solar panel from the cheap shop? Mine is trickelling away, keeping the tractor charged. See how it goes in the bush later
Reply 5 of 6
AnswerID: 36656   Submitted: Saturday, Nov 08, 2003 at 23:48

ricris replied:

Steve, dont know about WA but in NSW we only replace solar panels when they are ooo(stuffed), the new ones are color coded so telstra can tell a a glance if they belong to them. I work on hcrc radio systems and have sites in remote locations, if system is there it is a worker.
Reply 6 of 6