Solar panels can be expensive – we get it. But if you are attempting to save money by purchasing used solar panels for your home, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Used solar panels are rarely worth the expense, even if they have a lower upfront cost. In this article, we’ll discuss reasons why Nevada homeowners should avoid purchasing used solar panels at all costs.
Reasons To Avoid Used Solar Panels
Solar panels degrade over time. This means that used solar panels won’t perform as well as new ones so you may not save as much money as you expected. Here are some top reasons to avoid used solar panels:
- They won’t last as long
- They won’t be as efficient
- They won’t produce as much energy
They Do Not Last as Long
For decades the fundamental component of solar panels for decades has been silicon. A new solar panel using silicon can last about 20 to 25 years. So by purchasing used solar panels, you will only get part of the lifespan of the solar panels, whether one or nine years old and will have to replace them sooner rather than later.
Also, by purchasing used solar panels, you are passing up the newest technology that can expand the lifespan of a new solar panel to 30 years.
They Are Less Efficient
The efficiency of a solar panel is how much energy from the sun can be converted into electricity. Solar panels manufactured now are much more efficient than panels manufactured earlier. For example, earlier manufactured solar panels can convert 15% of sunlight into usable energy. In recent years, the efficiency has improved to 20% and even as high as 23%.
Consider also that used solar panels degrade in efficiency over time. The degradation happens because impurities seep into the crystal of the photovoltaic material. So when you purchase used solar panels, you aren’t getting the best efficiency and cost savings possible as with new solar panels.
They Generate Less Power
Used solar panels do not have the latest photovoltaic technology that helps new solar panels generate almost twice the power with the latest technology. Generally, solar panels can generate between 250 and 400 watts per hour. However, with solar panels manufactured recently, the output capacity can be as high as 350 to 450 watts per hour.
And as the efficiency and lifespan of used solar panels can deteriorate, the solar panel’s power output degrades over time at about a rate of .5% per year.
Save on Energy Costs Using New Solar Panels
So why should Nevada homeowners avoid used solar panels? Because to get the most power, efficiency, and extended lifespan, newly manufactured solar panels are a better value for the money you spend on solar technology.
Get a quote or contact us for an assessment, design, and installation of your home’s energy-efficient solar system and battery storage.
