Are Used Solar Panels Worth The Money? Performance Test Results

Used Solar Panels: www.santansolar.com/?ref=DiyS...
Victron MPPT: www.currentconnected.com/prod...
Powerqueen MPPT : amzn.to/4aNwjem
Watt Power Meter: amzn.to/3ww8x6L
(Affiliate Links)
Here I compare a 325 Watt Used Solar Panel VS a New 315 Watt New Solar Panel. Thanks for any feedback.
GIVE A WAY RULES: (Use any of the below recommended affiliate links below and coupon codes. Email me your order number and what product you would like. I'll pay for the shipping and send it to your address. Enjoy and thanks for following :)
__ Chapters ___
00:00 Intro
01:57 Cloudy Test Solar Panel Test
07:31 Sunny Solar Panel Test
09:59 Conclusion
Recommended Solar Stores (Using these links will help support the channel)
Current Connected........ currentconnected.com/?ref=diy...
Signature Solar.............. signaturesolar.com/?ref=DiySo... ($50 Discount Code: RAY)
SanTan Solar................. www.santansolar.com/?ref=DiyS... (%5 Discount Code: RAY)
ShopSolarKits................ shopsolarkits.com/1302 ($100 Discount Code: RAY)
Ruixu Batteries.............. www.ruixubattery.com/?ref=fOK... (Discount Code: RAY)
PowerQueen Batteries.. ipowerqueen.com/?ref=DiySolar... (Discount Code: RAY)
Contact info
If you want to get a hold you me you can email me at: [e-mail]
I am not available for personal consulting. Please reach out to me in the video comments where I and others can provide feedback to you
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed electrician. Working with electricity is dangerous and can lead to injury or death, even when following documentation and instructions. I can not be held liable for such damage or injury. I am not giving or seeking to give advice on how to work with electricity. You should consult with a licensed professional whenever possible and get all work reviewed by an inspector and follow any local regulations in your area. I'm documenting my projects for informational purposes only. Electricity can kill you! BE CAREFUL!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Used Solar Panels: shorturl.at/swyGL New Solar Panels: shorturl.at/fPW27 Victron MPPT: shorturl.at/tuAEQ Powerqueen MPPT : amzn.to/4aNwjem Watt Power Meter: amzn.to/3ww8x6L

[@benkanobe7500]

Thank you. My comment was for Beebop.

[@dwmcever]

Bought my used 250 watt panels 3 years ago. They were 30 bucks ea.. they have been running like clockwork ever since. Producing at least 105% of rated power for at least 5 hours a day when the sun shines.

[@robbehr8806]

I live just west of the Phoenix metro, so Santan is about an hour away. Out here, a lot of people have used panels from Santan and everyone loves them. Generally speaking, the used panels function within new specifications. I'm installing a bunch right now.

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

From what I’ve learned in assessing used panels, it makes sense to buy 200% of your needs. Say you need 1kW you buy 2kW, put 500W in storage as spares. Set up your 1.5kW worth of panels and your charge controller will perform well on far from ideal days because of the larger redundant array. You couldn’t do that at new prices. Of course you need to observe open circuit voltages, de rate for your winter temps and make sure that doesn’t exceed your charge controller’s voltage limit.

[@callmebigpapa]

Your videos are some of the best solar videos on YT! At $30 a panel for the used instead of bi-facials you could just put the $30 ones back to back and and still be cheaper and get both sides!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Lol! That's a good point!

[@callmebigpapa]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay I smell a new video idea.....do a test with a couple of panels .....I dare you!!!!

[@HybridShedIraq]

They will overheat​@@callmebigpapa

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I like the way you're thinking.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

If you leave a gap i think they might work out.

[@kevinholland4156]

Solar MPPT contollers vary on their power point. Your test would be more conclusive if you had used the Victron for both panels rather than throwing in the variable of the other MPPT controller. San Tan has great prices but it's the freight that kills the deal.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I accounted for this in the test.

[@victorthecarguy3126]

The sun is reflected from the ground and bounces back off the clouds. This was observed in solar car races in the 90s.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Nice, that actually makes a lot of sense!

[@DavidGetchel]

Interesting test! I always go for the panels that are the best value.

[@2006mrderrickh]

Very good information. Thank you for the video.

[@PeterSedesse]

Even if there is a slight loss from used panels, for most applications the only thing that matters is the $/watt

[@PaintSlinger99]

Great content thank you

[@shanonedser1]

Your video made my day! It made me realise that we don’t necessarily get screwed over on everything we buy here in Australia. (We’re so used to seeing things much cheaper in the US) I can buy Trina Solar 510W Mono crystalline panels brand new for $118 AUD ($77 USD) It was a great video and I’m curious as to what the panel temperature was during your test.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Wow, that's amazing you can get them for that price. I thought the $180 for a 300 watt new panel was even pretty good. Maybe because your closer to China? 🤷‍♂️. The temp was around 50 degrees fahrenheit. What part of Australia do you live? I lived in Brisbane, ipswich and mackay for a couple of years.

[@rw-xf4cb]

New is good if you get some credits/rebates. Old generally are fine as long as the panel is not damaged - no snail trails, burns on back or cracked glass etc otherwise degradation per year is pretty small like 1% per year or something. The only issue would be you shouldn't mix and match panels so if an array is damaged by hail etc then you need to replace the lot on that string, unless you using micro inverters then its doesn't matter each one is contributing AC back to the grid. The only time one might look at new is for full install not DIY or as you say looking at new technology bifacial or newer panels have significantly better performance per area (though these days panels are sold to unsuspecting customers on being higher powered when in reality they are just bigger panels). I got a load of them for off grid and also replace a 18month string damaged by hail and they were second hand and actually higher rated panels. Higher output on panels is due to temp on the panel the closer or to 25c or lower the panel will produce more power - though have to be careful as the voltage and amps go up from memory in cold weather and in cloud edge effect that you had.

[@orion8385]

Is the protective film still covering the LCD display on your power analyzers? if so, it's done its job and needs to come off.

[@shawnd567]

My used jinkos were 315w and they'll definitely hit it. They are over 5 years old now. I think these things only lose 1% per year so it'll take a decade to actually notice a performance issue vs seasonal fluctuations.

[@ScottieBMan]

Love this test, thanks for sharing Ray.

[@RandomBitzzz]

IIRC, used bifacial panels were out of stock last week - but I'm sure that could change at a moments notice.

[@TheSimpleLivingAussie]

lol, every time I try and do a solar video, the clouds come out 😆 I have panels that I bought nearly 25 years ago and they are still working fine. The panels on my cabin have been running since 2008 when I put them into service and they are still running great, there is a lot to be said with using old panels Vs buying new ones. I think now-a-days people want perfection, they want everything new and perfect and pay a fist full of money tying to achieve it.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

25 year old panels and still going. That's awesome!

[@daviddenson3324]

the catch is with santan solar the minimum to buy is 10 panels so you have to spend a lot of money at once usually. At least that's what I've seen

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

That's true. If you live close to their location I think they might sell smaller quantities. If you're willing to pick them up

[@raygibson1295]

What if that 325 watt module only produces 50 watts?

[@daviddenson3324]

@@raygibson1295 right!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

@@raygibson1295 they will refund you

[@brianevans4525]

I have 180 watt solar panel from boug RV and mine has put out over 200 Watts several times. So I think it's common if you have a good panel

[@DizzyPanda]

I just got new 56 JinKo 445W panels each 95EUR, I don't understand why prices in US are still so high.

[@raymondpetersen3543]

I do not know your email address but in the morning I plan on ordering 10 of the 424 watt used panels if I can get the free shipping. Thank you for the help came at a perfect time.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Nice, my email is in the description and I also have a discount code that might also save you some money. I'm not sure if it still works but it's worth a try... good luck!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Email me your order number and you'll probably win the raffle next week.

[@Rach1-eu3ry]

Love your4 vids need your advice.. I'm running 5 miners total of 1000 watts running 24-7.. What would you suggest. Thanks...

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Just running some quick numbers in my head you would need 700 watts of solar and a 12 volt 200 amp hour lfp battery... sunny conditions. It will give you a little bit of room to expand...imo.

[@user-zv3lj1ef7l]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay he's gonna need way more than that in both batteries and panels, at least try doubling it.

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

I bought 2 used Trina 250w panels for my off grid shed. I have them on a renogy rover 40amp mppt 12v. I usually see 380-450 watts depending on temperature outside in full sun around noon. I paid $120 them and honestly I'd do it again. I also have 6 renogy 100 watt panels ok the same controller and I see 500-550 most of the time. During partly cloudy weather I will see 550-650 watts during cloud edge effect. On my array I made including 12 of those renogy 100 watt panels I observed 1450 watt peak and average 1250 during cold temperatures. From 12-2pm. Very please with used panels. You do have to watch out for the corroded bus bars. Those will catch fire. I looked through the stack before buying mine. I was hapoy to see you tested each panel separately while not hooked to the battery at the same time. Better results. Also the panels should be under a load (charging for about 15 minutes before taking peak power measurements but honestly it's not much of a difference with a 500 or less system. Anything above 500 watts if it's crucial then a hot panel test is nice to have the information from vs the cold panel test. Nice job and thank you for the video!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

thanks!

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

I’d be interested to hear how old your Trina panels are. I found a local source and would like to gauge the expected performance drop.

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE they were 10 years old supposedly and I have had then for 2 years. I'll see if I can find a date code or use the serial numbers to find out. In curious now myself lol. You can do a open circuit test and short circuit test in full sun to find out thier output. Just connect the negative and positive and use a DC amp clamp. If the isc is (example) 10 amps and you measure 9 amps at rated temperature then it's got 90% life left. Hope this helps for testing before buying! Also trinas you need to inspect the bus bars for corrosion. It'll be green. :)

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Hey thanks for the detailed reply. The panels I’m looking at are about that old. Do Trina panels suffer from snail trails? Thanks for the heads up on the corrosion. Another tip: I take the spec Open Voltage x Short Current and compare that to the spec MPP to give me an expected performance value (0.76 for the panels I’m looking at). When you test you multiply the OCV x CCI x 0.76 to get your guesstimated power. I’ll add as well it’s worth having a known working panel on hand (I have a 50W panel) so you can gauge the actual ‘solar performance’ on the day you’re testing panels. Say you only see 40W out of your 50W good panel then what ever panel you test you could expect to see an extra 25% on a good day. The weather is far from ideal for testing as we are in the humid rainy season before summer unleashes itself. Hopefully I can snag enough to give me 1.5kW and start some serious tinkering :)

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE absolutely and thanks! With used panels, overpaneling is a good idea lol. They are known for snail trails but only early on. So if they don't have them then your pretty much safe lol.

[@teemum.9023]

The right one, newer one, looks less effective because of larger bezels, and smaller angle to the sun

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Interesting... Thanks. I'll have to look at those cell a 2nd time.

[@user-zv3lj1ef7l]

I totally concur.

[@beebop9808]

Nice! Not in the market now though. I did look at Santan at the time and they couldn't compete. I got a pallet of 400/500 bifacial panels to the door for $110 ea with a new warranty in place. I'm not opposed to used panels at all but it all comes down to price at the end. I'm seeing some good deals lately on solar equipment. It pays to do your due diligence shopping and hound out the deals. The economy sux and people aren't spending and sellers are trying to sell. It's a little crazy out there.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

500 watt New bifacials for $110? Wow. Where at?

[@benkanobe7500]

It would be great if you would name your sources or even better if you could supply links. Thanks!

[@beebop9808]

That's not their published price on the website. I made a good sized order along with the panels. Not being so comfortable with placing orders like that on a website I called and went through sales. After discounts and next to no shipping and a few freebies...... They did right by me straight up! Don't mind throwing them a bone at all. Signature Solar...... They're now doing some free shipping and by backs on inverter panels that can't be passed up at the moment. Just a happy customer brother!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

@@beebop9808 That's a good point.. if you're going to buy a large package that is all bundled together... Depending on the price it may be best to buy new in that scenario.

[@2006mrderrickh]

Minimum purchase amount for the raffle? I have a small order that I can buy from Santan.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

No minimum. 👍

[@Alex-Suzanne]

What are the names of the meters that you’re using please? Is there an Amazon link?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks for pointing this out: Here's the link: amzn.to/3ww8x6L

[@Alex-Suzanne]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay thank you!

[@allen-gt5ng]

I got 3000 watt growatt and 200ah 24 v lifepo4 battary no panels yet. I really trying to find a clear understanding of how lomg the battery will power a 5amp fridge. I was told it would only last 1.5 hours roughly its hard for me to grasp that idea please need some understanding

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Yeah, Fridges are a little more tricky to estimate. I made a video on this exact subject though :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGK3Xp-fisaDh5Y

[@user-zv3lj1ef7l]

5 Amp X 120V is 600W so your fridge is not quite as energy efficient by todays standards. Mine doesn't go over 2.5 amps and its a huge LG fridge/freezer. With that said, a single 190Ah lifepo4 is perfect for my use. The fridge has never shut down due to lacking power for about two years so far. Try doubling your battery capacity or opt for a more efficient, newer model fridge. My fridge is outside in open air, not in a hot garage so I don't have to combat an extra 300 watts of heat output turning on the AC. So a 600 watt fridge will cancel out a 5,000 BTU window AC if you're trying to cool the living space with the fridge. A lot of people don't understand that having an older fridge is akin to throwing cash out the window with the current energy rates. After a year of runtime the EXTRA allotment on your power bill would have most likely paid for the extra lifepo4 battery - albeit, a used one.

[@darrelltregear756]

Why not use the second hand panel for the shed

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I'm gonna use it for the shed.

[@anekinoo7]

5 years old isnt that old when most panels are rated for 25yrs. All the old ones i found for cheap are 20yrs

[@user-zv3lj1ef7l]

It's safe to assume that you've lost half a decade of use by buying secondhand - that alone justifies the price. If you live in Texas it is highly unlikely that those panels will last another five years and it is for this reason solar installers go bust and or change their name so they don't have to honor the so-called 20 year 'guarantee'. I am on my third set of good rigid panels and I did my own install from the get-go as I am a retired power production specialist for the federal government.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks for the comment, it's a good point that I did lose 5 years out of these panels. Because they are performing the same as the new panels I'm not too concerned . down the road that could change though . Who knows. Have you found that hotter weather is pretty hard on your panels? 3rd set? Wow, that's crazy!

[@raygibson1295]

Your not screwed. The new ones have an output warranty. Used ones dont.

[@electrodacus]

Yes most likely the difference was due to the MPPT.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I accounted for that

[@electrodacus]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay I'm referring to the partly sunny test when the used panel got significantly more. The Power Queen MPPT just seems to have a superior max power point algorithm when compared to the Victron. There can not be any other explanation for that large difference 142Wh vs 114Wh.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

@@electrodacus Yeah, that's a good point.

[@marianilie7321]

try jinko n-type

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Cool. Those look interesting

[@funautoac]

Do you have this type Used SunPower 420W Solar Panel i need 3

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

You can check in their site

[@teemum.9023]

7:24 look, photovoltaic cells don't crank up power of anything

[@rafaelvelasco3520]

Where can I buy used solar panels

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Sent an solar is where I bought mine. I believe they are the largest supplier in the United States for used panels. www.santansolar.com/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun&campaign=AreBuyingUsedSolarPanelsWorthTheMoney

[@1xXNimrodXx1]

Damn you get screwed over there for some foil/foil panels that will disintegrate at around 12 years. Here in germany I got the Trina vertex s+ 435 bifacial glas/glas for 75€ / panel (new)

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

That's crazy. Where can you buy those at? We do get screwed over here in the US on solar prices.

[@1xXNimrodXx1]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay Here are so many chinese panels for under 70€ nearly everywhere to buy, this is nice for the end user, but this is the reason why solar producers are turning their back on germany and the EU.

[@oby-1607]

You are comparing Jinko to Canadian Solar panels. I feel the Jinko panels are better made than the Canadian Solar is why the very comparable results. The comparison to be fair should have been same make and model of panels rather than from companies far apart.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

That would be best. I'd love to get a hold of a new jinko and a 5 yr old jinko of the same model.

[@teemum.9023]

2:20 dude, your controllers and battery are outside in the rain

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Yeah, I was trying to keep them covered, but they did get wet.