Should you’re searching for a less expensive strategy to get began with photo voltaic power, used photo voltaic panels are one strategy to stretch your finances. Used photo voltaic panels typically value lower than new ones, however the value will depend on a number of elements, similar to age and situation. Buying used photo voltaic gear additionally means your gear is probably going to wear down extra shortly, may want repairs ahead of new photo voltaic panels and is unlikely to carry out like top-of-the-market fashions.

How a lot are used photo voltaic panels?

The typical value of a used photo voltaic panel is between $0.05 and $0.60 per watt. That will be round $20 for a well-used 200-watt photo voltaic panel on the low finish and as excessive as $300 for a used 500-watt photo voltaic panel that’s in significantly better situation. Used photo voltaic panels usually run 50% to 70% of the worth of recent photo voltaic panels. Nevertheless, the precise value will depend on which photo voltaic panels you select — and like most issues, the cheaper the worth, the much less you must count on out of them.

For instance, a search on Sunhub, a web based photo voltaic gear reseller, exhibits a used SunPower 327-watt photo voltaic panel panel with a rated effectivity of 20% that’s greater than 10 years previous. On the asking value of $85, the photo voltaic panel is priced at $0.26 per watt.

Examine this to a Panasonic 325-watt photo voltaic panel that’s solely a yr previous with a rated effectivity of 19.4%; it’s priced at almost $0.49 per watt, promoting for $159. Regardless of a barely decrease effectivity, the Panasonic panel can produce extra power and is more likely to lose effectivity at a slower fee than the SunPower panel as a result of it’s newer.

What elements have an effect on the worth of used photo voltaic panels?

The excellent news is that you’ve a wide range of situations and costs to think about if you happen to’re searching for used photo voltaic panels.

When pricing used photo voltaic panels, take note of a number of elements that may have an effect on the worth of used photo voltaic panels. These embrace:

• Age. The older the gear is, the cheaper it’s more likely to be.

• Situation. Photo voltaic panels which are in higher form will typically be dearer than ones which are in worse situation.

• Effectivity. Used photo voltaic panels that may produce extra energy are more likely to value greater than those who produce much less energy.

• Model. Some manufacturers are dearer than others, even with used gear.

When used photo voltaic panels make sense

Going with used photo voltaic panels as an alternative of recent ones isn’t at all times the best choice, however there are a number of situations the place it could be value it. Used photo voltaic panels could also be an excellent possibility if you happen to’re:

• On a good finances. Used gear will nearly at all times be cheaper than when it was new, however take into account that photo voltaic power programs are more likely to be pricey regardless if you happen to purchase used panels.

• Not fearful about getting prime effectivity. Older photo voltaic panels are more likely to be much less environment friendly than the latest fashions, so buying older photo voltaic panels means you gained’t be getting the most effective efficiency available on the market.

• Snug changing your gear sooner. Used photo voltaic panels have already began to degrade; the longer they have been in use, the extra effectivity they’ve misplaced. Used panels which have decrease effectivity will must be changed ahead of new gear.  

• Changing a panel in your present system. If you’ll want to change a broken panel and wish to discover one which matches or is near the panels you have got, shopping for a used photo voltaic panel may preserve your array constant.

Execs of used photo voltaic panels

The advantages of shopping for used photo voltaic panels embrace:

• Cheaper buy value. Used photo voltaic panels are often cheaper than new ones, which may prevent cash.

• Much less environmental impression. Shopping for used photo voltaic panels helps scale back producers’ environmental impression and extends the lifetime of the photo voltaic panels by holding them in use.

• Capacity to match older programs. If you’ll want to change a panel or discover ones that work with older gear, shopping for used may provide you with extra choices.

Cons of used photo voltaic panels

The draw back of going with used photo voltaic panels consists of:

• Much less effectivity. As a result of used photo voltaic panels could be much less environment friendly, you won’t get as a lot power out of them as if you happen to purchased model new panels.

• Hidden injury. You won’t have the ability to see all forms of injury with out sure gear. If you buy used photo voltaic panels with out realizing all the potential issues they’ve, it may find yourself costing you extra in the long term.

• Lacking upkeep info. Not all used photo voltaic panels may have an in depth upkeep historical past. Should you purchase used panels that have been poorly maintained, their effectivity may start to say no ahead of you count on.

• Restricted warranties. In contrast to new photo voltaic panels, used gear won’t include warranties, which implies you’ll be on the hook for sure repairs. That is very true for used photo voltaic panels that you just buy from a web based market.

What to search for when shopping for used photo voltaic panels

Compatibility. Not all photo voltaic panels work with the identical gear. Examine that the photo voltaic panels you’re taking a look at are suitable with any present gear you have got or gear you’re planning to purchase. Necessities it would be best to examine embrace forms of connectors, voltage scores and the way the system have to be mounted to your roof.

Situation. Search for indicators that photo voltaic panels are broken, together with cracks within the cell or body, bubbles or blisters between the panel’s layers, darkish or discolored streaks in direct daylight and burn marks referred to as hotspots. Remember the fact that some points cannot be recognized simply with out testing the panels or sure gear.

Age. Older photo voltaic panels is probably not suitable with newer gear and won’t be as highly effective as new panels. Ask concerning the panels’ manufacture date, after they have been initially put in and any upkeep points they’ve had.

Utilization. How lengthy earlier homeowners used the photo voltaic panels will have an effect on the gear’s efficiency as nicely. You should definitely ask how lengthy they have been beforehand put in and used and the local weather during which they have been put in. For instance, hotter temperatures, humidity and dusty environments could cause photo voltaic panels to degrade extra shortly, so panels which have been utilized in these climates are more likely to degrade sooner than different photo voltaic panels.

Guarantee. Discover out if any warranties will switch with the photo voltaic panels.

What to search for when discovering a reseller

Learn buyer critiques. Most companies may have some unhealthy critiques, however search for developments in buyer critiques that time to a persistent downside with an organization. You will discover shopper critiques for corporations on web sites together with SolarReviews, ConsumerAffairs and Higher Enterprise Bureau.

Search for key info. A reseller ought to offer you details about the gear, similar to situation, age, efficiency and former upkeep. Ask the reseller to offer this info if it’s lacking, and think about it a pink flag if the corporate refuses to offer it.

Take note of the warranties. A reputable reseller will clarify the phrases and situations of a guaranty and reply your questions on protection. If the corporate isn’t clear about when a guaranty applies or what it covers, think about trying elsewhere for used photo voltaic panels.

Ask about return insurance policies. Understanding a reseller’s return insurance policies can turn out to be useful if you happen to uncover a problem with the panels in a while.