You may be browsing the Facebook Marketplace or you may see an advertisement on eBay: used solar panels! The price is cheap and the panels appear to be in reasonable condition…what could go wrong?
The reality is that you should think twice when buying used solar panels. There are several reasons why the risk is not worth it.
Here are 5 of the most common reasons why you should avoid second-hand panels when installing solar power.
Contents
Top reasons to say NO to second-hand solar panels.
There is no manufacturer’s warranty.
First, new solar panels are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. This means that if manufacturers discover there is a problem with their solar panels within a certain time frame (usually 10 years), they are required to replace them free of charge.
It also means that they will repair your solar system free of charge if there are any problems or faults with the system itself, aside from those caused by accidents with people or pets.
The main point here is that new solar panels come with a warranty. Now, if you’re buying used solar panels, well…don’t expect much help from the manufacturer or the original owners of the panels if they’re faulty.
Also, while it is possible to find an installer willing to install used solar panels, most are reluctant to do so as they may take responsibility for any failure.
There are no discounts or incentives.
Most of the solar panels on the market today benefit from discounts and incentives from the various administrations.
From discounts on solar panels and batteries to interest-free loans, incentives that not only offset initial system purchase costs, but also reduce total cost of ownership for years to come.
However, if you are buying used solar panels, these incentives are no longer available. Because? Because the former owner will have already benefited from it, and there is no possibility of double taxation.
Less efficiency.
Solar panels have an expected lifespan of at least 25 years if properly maintained, however, like any electrical product, they degrade and lose efficiency over time.
This is often due to external factors such as heat and weather, dust accumulation or damage to the fragile cells inside the panels.
Some used solar panels may have obvious damage, but not all damage is immediately noticeable.
Sometimes, if the efficiency of the panels fluctuates and decreases during times of the day and then goes back up without any reasonable explanation, it can mean that the cells inside are damaged. Broken cells or broken glass can cause leaks, and if too much water gets into the solar panel, it will work less efficiently. When you buy new solar panels, you know they are undamaged and at the beginning of their life cycle.
New technology versus old technology.
Over the past 10 years, solar panel technology has advanced rapidly, with newer, more efficient and better performing panels hitting the market every year. As technology has advanced, the cost of solar panels has come down rapidly, which means it is affordable to invest in new, high-efficiency solar panels that will provide higher power output, have longer life and reduce emissions. models.
Buy with confidence.
Researching solar panel technologies, manufacturers, panel types, sizing and installation methods can be time consuming when you are not an expert in the field.
You can be overwhelmed with conflicting information on the internet, not to mention the daunting task of having to install the panels yourself or find someone else to install them.
In addition, the question arises whether the panels or the inverter actually comply with the regulations in force in your country.
If you buy new solar panels from a reputable retailer, you won’t have to worry about any of this. Trusted solar companies have all the knowledge and the right people to design the right system and install it correctly.
In summary…
Second-hand solar panels probably won’t save you money; in fact, they are likely to increase the cost of installation. Refunds cannot be claimed, they have reduced efficiency which means lower power output (and therefore higher bills), and there are no guarantees of reliability or quality.
If you want to invest in solar panels for your home or business, the best thing for your wallet is to buy new panels at government discounts from trusted local installers and with a warranty.
There will surely be specific cases where if used photovoltaic solar panels are interesting, it will always be necessary to study case by case.
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