Brand new solar pv systems can be expensive. The average cost can be as high as $25,000 before rebates and tax breaks.
Needless to say, the urge to save money on this purchase is strong. Many homeowners turn to used solar panels as cost-effective alternatives to new ones. But while this may be a viable option for some, the benefits of used solar panels are not cut and dry. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of used solar panels and help you decide if this is the right move for you.
How Much Are Used Solar Panels?
Used solar panels cost between $0.1 and $0.75 per watt, which is about 50% to 70% less than the cost of new panels. Savings of this magnitude are indeed tempting and used solar panels can be a viable solution in many cases.
However, it’s important to understand that the final price can vary depending on different factors such as the condition of the panels and the current level of demand. It should also be noted that used systems will often contain a mix of panels in varying condition from lightly used to heavily used. Homeowners need to take this into consideration when debating the pros and cons of used solar panels.
Risks Associated with Used Solar Panels
There is always a certain level of risk involved when purchasing any used or refurbished product. While used solar panels may save you money upfront, that savings may be diminished in the long run due to factors such as a shorter lifespan and more frequent repairs.
Homeowners need to be aware of the following risks when considering used solar panels:
1. Damage
When deciding to buy used products, always ask yourself why the owners are selling them off in the first place. It could be that they simply have no use for their solar panels – maybe they sold their home or decided to use grid power. In other cases, it could be the panels became damaged or defective after the warranty ran out.
Additionally, having been used previously means the panels are more susceptible to future damage and may require frequent repairs or maintenance to operate efficiently.
2. Unavoidable Degradation
Solar panels lose operational efficiency at a rate of 0.5% per year. This means previously used solar panels have already lost some efficiency by the time they are installed in your home.
Used panels means lower efficiency in the long run, which forces you to buy even more panels to meet your home’s energy requirements. Newer solar panels give you more efficiency and may help you save more in the long term.
3. Lack of Warranty
Believe it or not, most used solar panels don’t come with warranties. This means that you have no protection from defective products, poor installation, or damage caused to your home during the installation.
New solar panels made from reputable brands such as LG and Panasonic will come with a manufacturing warranty that protects your purchase. Trustworthy installers will also provide you with a warranty package that covers equipment, installation, and roofing. Look for the industry-leading 25-year warranty package for the most protection.
Making a Choice
Purchasing used solar panels has both benefits and drawbacks. Homeowners will need to weigh the risks to decide which road they want to take with their residential solar system.
If you decide to purchase new solar panels, remember that Solar Optimum carries only premiere, tier-1 equipment. We also offer you unmatched 25-year warranties on residential solar panels, inverter, racking, roof, workmanship, and performance guarantee.
We’ll help you save on your purchase by combining the 30% Solar ITC Credit with our current monthly promotion. Contact us today to learn more.
