Solar panels have become a great feature for many homeowners as a clean, renewable energy source and reduced costs for electricity. Many opt to buy new solar panels, but buying used solar panels can also be a great option for people who don’t want to pay high initial costs.
Let’s take a look at whether buying used solar panels is a good idea for you or not.
Get A Free Solar QuoteThe Cost of Used Solar Panels
Used solar panels are 50% to 70% less expensive per watt than new ones, ranging from $0.1 to $0.75. Such substantial savings are undoubtedly alluring, and in many situations, secondhand solar panels might be a workable alternative.
It's crucial to realize that the ultimate cost might change based on a number of variables, including the state of the solar panels and the volume of demand at the time. It should be mentioned that reconditioned systems sometimes include a variety of panels with varied levels of use, from mild to heavy. This is something that homeowners should think about while weighing the benefits and drawbacks of secondhand solar panels.
Advantages of Buying Used Solar Panels
There are many pros of buying used solar panels that homeowners cannot ignore. Here are some of them now to help you make the decision.
Added Savings
The possibility of making significant financial savings is among the most alluring features of purchasing old solar panels.
People frequently sell secondhand solar panels for a small portion of the cost of new ones, as would be expected. They are, therefore, a more cost-effective choice, particularly for people with limited resources.
Eco-friendlier, Less Waste
Selecting used solar panels will increase the product's lifespan. In the meantime, you'll be getting closer to your sustainability objectives.
By giving the panels a second life, you're cutting waste and lessening the environmental effect of their creation.
Tested Reliability
Solar panels are made to survive for several decades, and most manufacturers provide guarantees of 20 to 25 years.
When you buy a used solar panel, you may be confident that it has demonstrated its dependability over a specific time frame. To put it another way, something isn't necessarily meaningless just because it's utilized!
Consider it like purchasing a secondhand car. Depending on its condition and age, a used vehicle from a dealership may be in as excellent of shape as a new one. It has been used, but that doesn't imply it malfunctions or can't accomplish its intended tasks.
Disadvantages of Buying Used Solar Panels
Everything has two sides. If you end up buying used solar panels from a solar dealer who isn’t properly certified, you will never have a guarantee about their quality. Plus, finding an installer for them can be harder, too.
Check out some of the cons of buying used solar panels here.
Warranty Limits
A used solar panel might not have a guarantee at all, or it might have a short warranty time left, in contrast to new panels.
You run the risk of future performance and maintenance problems due to this lack of coverage, which might result in further expenses in the future.
Diminished Productivity
Due to normal wear and tear, solar panels gradually lose their efficiency over time. Degradation is also affected by the following factors:
- How much they have been maintained
- Exposure to harsh weather
- Age
- How they were installed
Regretfully, given all of these factors, a used solar panel might already have seen a considerable drop in efficiency. Thus, it will generate less energy than a brand-new panel would.
Unknown Conditions and Past
Be cautious when purchasing secondhand solar panels' quality and history. Why? Because as we mentioned, their effectiveness can be impacted by things like age, maintenance habits, prior installation, and exposure to harsh weather.
Without the right information, evaluating the general condition and lifespan of the secondhand panels you wish to purchase might be difficult. Additionally, the seller of the used panels has to be willing to supply as many facts as feasible.
Get A Free Solar QuoteWhat to Consider When Buying Used Solar Panels?
There are many factors to consider when you are buying used solar panels, especially when you are looking at the listings. Here are some things you should watch out for.
The Length of Service
The term "length of service" describes the amount of time the solar power modules produced on the roof before being taken down to be sold. Panels with shorter service durations generally have fewer worn-out components than those with longer service periods. If the vendor is willing to negotiate, you may occasionally be able to utilize extremely extended service terms as leverage to get a better deal.
Motive for the Sale
The rationale for solar panel sales typically offers insight into the state of the product. The product should still be in excellent operating order if the sale is due to relocating to a new home or upgrading to a more powerful panel.
Look out for and steer clear of things like storms, broken parts, and performance problems that might negatively impact the state of the solar panel.
Guarantee
A manufacturer's warranty is typically not included with reconditioned or used solar panels. However, since these kinds of bargains are rare, you should consider them seriously if the used web ad or listing you're looking at does.
Price
Naturally, if secondhand solar panels fit within your budget, you should be interested in them. However, really cheaply priced secondhand solar panels could be dubious.
In an effort to get rid of the panel, the seller might be trying to conceal anything, such as old solar cells, faulty wiring, or decreased power production. These incredibly profitable advertisements typically lack crisp images and thorough information. At all costs, stay away from these kinds of old solar panels!
Installation
It might be challenging to find a solar installation that is ready to work on projects utilizing old solar panels. This is due to the uncertain quality and durability of used PV modules, which poses a risk to companies that provide workmanship guarantees for solar systems. As a result, most local solar panel installers are rather reluctant to endorse such projects.
Utilizing used solar panels for DIY setups has a unique set of concerns. If you plan to connect your DIY solar system to the local grid, first be sure that doing so is permitted in your region. Even with tiny solar systems, you need to get the necessary permissions and engage a local inspector to ensure compliance.
Remember that to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair the system in the long run, you will want the appropriate technical skills. With any possibly damaged system components, using second-hand panels with defects might make the installation much more complicated.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on the home is generally a good idea since it can result in cost savings and reduce your carbon footprint. We hope the pros and cons of buying used solar panels help you make the decision on whether to buy new ones or not!