Buying Used Solar Panels

Buying a solar panel used can be a bargain

that pays for itself many times over in the coming years. If you're looking for cheap solar power buying used panels is a good place to start.

When buying used solar panels the single most important consideration is the energy output of the panel.


The life expectancy of a solar panel is still unknown. Solar panels that have been functioning for 40 years and more are still producing energy, upping life expectancy estimates every year.

Good news, especially if the panels were a bargain in the first place.

Here's the good news about buying used solar panels

• Cost, Cost, Cost. The capital saved on setup when buying used solar panels is so significantly reduced that it can be reclaimed within a few short years.



• Keeps the used panels and unwanted chemicals out of landfills.

Older solar panels that are still in good condition can be picked up for a more than fair price.

Swap meets, flea markets and home or farm auctions are excellent sources for used solar panels. Try placing classified ads in local papers or blanket ads that cover huge territories. Also there are numerous businesses that specialize in the sale of used solar panels.

ebay sometimes has used solar panels for sale Have a look at ebay's current selection


Don't be afraid of panels that have browned, many of them still work. They're not as pretty as pristine new ones but many solar panels are situated in places where no one ever sees them. The bottom line is always energy output.

If you're handy you can pick up damaged panels for super cheap or even free!

Obtaining solar panels that are in good repair for a low cost is obviously the best way to go but many problems with solar panels can be repaired at little or no cost if you're the least bit handy.

Hey we're talking high tech stuff here.......aren't we?

Not necessarily.

Although solar panels are high technology many common malfunctions are on the low tech side such as corroded or loose connections, cracked glass and broken frames. and low tech problems can frequently be fixed with a minimum of cost or effort.

CircuitWorks Conductive Epoxy or SilverPrint are 2 epoxies that are impregnated with silver and can be used in the place of solder to make repairs on your solar panels. They're not cheap but they allow repairs where soldering can be difficult.

The newer the panel the more energy it'll produce per square inch. Most technologies are focusing on producing more compact panels. Larger panels still produce lots of energy they just require more room.

It's all about Energy Output!

Here's how to test the Open Circuit Voltage of a solar panel.

With the panel in full sun and your voltmeter set to measure DC volts apply the leads to the + and - terminals at the same time. Your meter should read close to 21 volts on a healthy 12 volt panel.

On panels that are designed to function as a set of 4, each of the 4 panels should read somewhere between 4 and 5 volts.

Here's the not so good news about buying used solar panels.

• Older panels require more space



• Lower output



• Sometimes discolored



• Even small amounts of shade can dramatically reduce the amount of energy output. This problem can be rectified by placing older panels in a location where they receive no shade from trees, structures or each other.

If asthetics are unimportant and you have plenty of sunny room these points are completely moot.

Because the solar energy industry is moving very quickly and technology is constantly improving buy the newest that you can afford. The more recently your panels were designed and manufactured the more features will be included and the longer they'll last.