Buying used solar panels are now becoming a trend in recent years due to its cheaper price. But have you ever noticed something before buying these used solar panels? In this article, we have listed the considerations you need to pay attention to before purchasing used solar panels.
When a solar panel is considered to in the used category?
Solar panels that have been previously owned by a person or business, usually a utility company, are called used solar panels. A solar panel that has been purchased, taken out of the box, and never installed on a roof is still considered used. As the name implies, a "like new" solar panel is one that has never been used and performs as well as a new one. Solar panels that have been used for 15 years or more and have broken cells or worn-out frames are also considered used.
Is it worth buying a used solar panel for 20+ years of age?
The lifespan of used solar panels is naturally reduced and may vary depending on the previous owner's use. Moreover, most solar modules have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. As soon as this point is reached, degradation starts to accelerate. In other words, the solar system would not be able to perform to its full potential. Does that mean used solar panels aren't good - of course not! There is no degradation rate greater than 0.7%. With electricity prices increasing by at least 3% per year, investing in a used solar panel seems like a great idea.
Important parameters to be considered while buying used solar panels
Cost
Refurbished: Refurbished solar panels cost 50%-70% less than new solar panels. Products are more expensive than used solar panels because they have been restored to an acceptable condition or standard. Used: Expect to pay $0.10 to $0.60 per watt for used solar panels. The price range for used solar panels is wide as the condition of the products varies. Used solar modules are usually a mixture of "as new" used modules and heavily used modules. Before committing, it's important to understand exactly what type of used solar panel you're looking to buy.
Warranty
Refurbished: Some refurbished solar panels come with a refurbished warranty. These warranties have a shorter warranty period than new solar panels. The warranty period for refurbished solar panels ranges from 3 months to 9 years. Some refurbished panels come with no warranty at all.
Used: In most cases, solar panel warranties are transferrable. Warranty transfer is common when a home with solar panels is sold to a buyer who, by purchasing the home, also purchased a solar power system. However, used solar panels sold online or through marketplaces usually do not come with a warranty. This is because resellers buy used solar panels directly from people without a warranty.
Uptime
Refers to the amount of time a roof module has generated solar power before being sold on the market. Shorter service times generally mean fewer worn parts in modules compared to modules exposed to longer service times. In some cases, if the seller is willing to negotiate, they can negotiate a price reduction because of the extremely long service times.
Reason for sale
The reason for the sale of a solar module typically provides insight into the condition of the product. If the reason for the sale is to upgrade or move to a more powerful panel, the product should still be in good condition. Pay attention to and avoid factors that directly affect the health of your solar panels, such as storms, component damage, and performance issues.
Installation
It's hard to find a solar installer willing to undertake a project with used solar panels. This is because the quality and long-term performance of used PV modules are questionable. This can be a problem for companies that offer workmanship guarantees for solar power systems. Therefore, most of the local solar generators are very reluctant to put their name behind such projects.
DIY solar installation with used modules has its own risks. accompanies When connecting your system to your local grid, first check to see if a DIY solar system is legal in your area. Even small solar systems must obtain the proper permits and hire a local inspector for compliance. Proper technical knowledge is required to install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair systems over time. Using defective used panels can further complicate the installation as system components may be defective.
Used solar panels are a great addition to your home as long as you know exactly what you are buying. The deal for used solar panels can be very tempting at first, but in the long run, such products can be a headache and you may regret it. When buying used solar panels, thoroughly research the website you are purchasing from, the seller, and the condition of the used item.
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