WA - Cheap Solar Panels. Myth??
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 14:32
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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?
Reply By: Member - Bob - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 17:05
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 17:05
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
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Follow Up By: joc45 - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 18:04
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 18:04
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
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Follow Up By: Brett - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 19:28
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 19:28
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.
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Follow Up By: joc45 - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 20:07
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 20:07
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.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bob - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 08:10
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 08:10
Gerry,
sorry, forgot the ;-).
Where I come from jokes don't add legitimacy to anything.Bob
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Follow Up By: Wazza (Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 08:37
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 08:37
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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Reply By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 17:09
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 17:09
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
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigbear - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 23:08
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 23:08
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
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Reply By: joc45 - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 23:23
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 23:23
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
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Reply By: Mark from Getaway Portable Refrigerator Hire - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 11:34
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2003 at 11:34
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
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Reply By: Bill - Friday, Nov 07, 2003 at 22:50
Friday, Nov 07, 2003 at 22:50
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
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Reply By: ricris - Sunday, Nov 09, 2003 at 00:48
Sunday, Nov 09, 2003 at 00:48
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.
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