Is Buying USED Solar Panels a Good Idea?

Having had my old panels for 9 years, I knew solar panels are built to last. So I decided to take a shot and buy some used solar panels, and on today's episode we check out if it turned out to be a good idea! There are definitely some risks and considerations, and pros and cons.
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[@Amuzic_Earth]

Kudos to you for going for Used panels. I have often seen in people that in their quest to greenify things, they often forget the "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle" part and actually end up buying a lots of stuff....which is nothing but consumerism and the worse part - it feels guilt free. Thank you for bringing a frugal and hence more sustainable approach in highlight.

[@danielturner9832]

I have watched a few KZbin channels saying buy used panels. I am going with ground mounted panels so they will be easier to keep an eye on.

[@Capoe3]

@@danielturner9832 yep I have 75 used panels now. Going strong after a year. “Ground mounted” with old railroad ties with string inverters. Once I get my new inverters done I might get more. 17 kw and counting.

[@arthurmuriph7946]

I bought 65 used panels for my diy install. Several panels had low output like yours but a few new bypass diodes fixed the issue. Paid 55.00 each for the panels 40 each for used enphase micros and made my own racking. I make about 80 to 100 kWh a day enough for the house and 2 Chevy electric cars here in Orlando.☺

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Wow that’s a killer used system!

[@PA-sb5ou]

Where did you buy them ?

[@arthurmuriph7946]

Santan Solar

[@b-b8704]

Follow florida man, wondering where you got yours

[@arthurmuriph7946]

Santana solar in Arizona cost me 300.00 for shipping

[@sidn8946]

Any efforts in reducing pollution should be appreciated,.... 👏🏼👏🏼 thanks for enlightening people by showing renewable energy and most of your viewer do believe renewable energy affordability and slowly but steadily they are shifting towards it..

[@gergc4871]

I think you made a good call. In 10 years the panels you'll buy used will be double the output for the same price.

[@richardnwilson]

To test the panel's you can test the open circuit voltage and also the short circuit amperage very easily with a multi tester.

[@johnnodge4327]

Absolutely. Testing solar panels before installation is very easy, as you say, requiring nothing more than sunlight and a digital multi-meter.

[@paulvanlit]

Same experience here, so I recommend it as well. I did however measure V and I against spec in full sunlight before buying them. I installed 5xPV 275Wp second hand ~5-6 yrs old); for 55€ each; bought an inverter (Growatt 1.5kW) for 310€ + 100€ roof-rack; It actually replaces my shed's roof with just solar panels so I saved on roofing altogether (~300€). I took large panels 200cmx100cm (80"x40") so it was easy to get the roof watertight, and installed the PV's myself). Works fine, I expect about 800-1000 kWh per year, which adds 10%-12% to my 8000kWh/yr main PV set (Solaredge). Pay out time 2-3 years (@20ct/kWh). I just wanted to test and maybe in the future test some battery extension to it.

[@Tazman55x]

New panels with the 25-30 year warranty helps a lot

[@bobcole3852]

Will Prowse did a video on used panels. Great value, saves them from landfill.

[@matej.m.rejsek8537]

Thanks for helping me establish a baseline concerning how the used panels I purchase by will probably look visually.

[@Mrsun-w7q]

That's a question I ask myself many times after buying new . Thank you for making this vid .

[@MrKillswitch88]

Noticed while looking around at panels online that some commercial panels get dumped onto the market is due to damage as there were some sellers trying to pawn off hail damaged panels on eBay.

[@MorganMadej]

I was thinking only the other day that I have not seen any announcements about your channel lately? I have really enjoyed your in depth videos about Tesla. Now, for me, Solar panels are more interesting and achievable because of this video! I'm sure you have many followers like me who have been stimulated to think about Solar? We don't own an EV here in Poland, but we have a hot water heating Solar system that achieves 53C plus from the 20 tubes on our roof. The medium is water and anti-freeze in a closed loop via a pump to our 250 litre storage tank on the ground floor. There is only a 3C degree loss between the panel and tank! Solar for 6 months and gas c/h over winter. Apart from the capital investment of 12,000 PLN ($3,000 + in 2016) Since then our hot water is virtually free!

[@SergeantSolar]

A $50 solar panel meter (elejoy) is a must have for used panels

[@HotRockCentral]

I'd never order used panels I couldn't test beforehand. You got lucky. The best way to test used panels is to short them out & run an amp probe. That'll tell you right away if they're up to spec.

[@breeze7876]

You provided me a very important number. $2/watt. I've been scouring solar videos hoping that I might acquire some useful unexpected information. I've been quite anxious watching videos that are not quite answering the question that I don't even know to ask. Apparently $2/watt will provide the restful sleep I've been longing. Thanks for putting this up!

[@mohamedsheikh2502]

Great information thanks for your time and video

[@michaelbradley1636]

Check both the open circuit voltage (Voc) and unloaded "short circuit" amperage with a cheap test meter before installation. There are solar "beginners guides" on KZbin showing how to do this, and my $20 ADC multimeter goes to 10ADC (good for 100W panels, which usually have an Amp rating around 5A). (5Ax20V = 100W). Normally consumer products can be returned within 30 days if you get a DOA defective panel, even if they claim "not guaranteed." Depending on where you buy them. Amazon and eBay ALWAYS have 30 day guarantees even for items listed as used. Some eBay sellers then list electronics as "for parts only" to avoid all DOA gurantees (don't buy those).

[@kuhrd]

If you decide to go say 80-90% off-grid you can build up a system with 5-100Kwh of battery capacity using lightly used lithium iron phosphate packs inexpensive MPPT charge controllers and a 5-15Kw split phase inverter all for an equivalent price and just size up accordingly. You can start with all of the small loads like lights, TVs, stereos, computers, fans, microwaves, refrigerator, freezer and alarm clocks. Then scale it up to run larger appliances like toasters, air conditioners, electric range, and electric dryer later when you have the extra funds to make it happen. All you would need is a separate critical load panel to be installed to keep grid powered circuits separate from the larger loads that you don't want to run off the grid. You can also sometimes get deals on the microinverters but the only real issue with feeding back into the grid is that then the entire system has to be professionally installed with new equipment and it makes it about 3-5 times more expensive and you still don't have any backup if the grid goes down unless you also install a small battery bank while still being grid-tied.

[@penitent2401]

you also need to factor in the panel's remaining lifespan. They usually have about 25 years life and they degrade in power generation of about 0.8% per year. Yours can still be good for another 15 years (I don't know if commercial use shorten their life more or not) then you could expect them to breaking and really down on power as they get worn at end of their life. After that you need to have them removed and new ones installed, which as you said is a third of the cost, assuming the inverters need to be replaced after 15 years anyway or if it lasts can keep using with new panels.

[@Life-tastic]

Actually, most panels will continue generating power past their expiration date. Most may only produce 1/3 their original capacity but they are doing that even after 70 years. The only thing that truly ends a panels generation is being damaged by hail or a forced acting on it.

[@Life-tastic]

In truth, a solar panel will continue to generate power long after we're dead.

[@zalllon]

Just saw on Kijiji, some used Panasonic panels, approximately seven years old according to the seller that has pallets of them. They are rated as new at 250 W, and Panasonic notes on these type of panels that after 25 years they should be add about 92% of the original noted energy production. These are selling for $90 Canadian all in per panel, and I can pick them up in my forerunner about 25 minutes away from where I live. Even if they only produce 180 W, there is still tremendous value over buying new. The only issue is the way shadows fall on my shed roof, so I’ll have to look into micro inverters.

[@dinosanchez8528]

Thanks, definitely going with used panels

[@abrahamnavarro1287]

I was wondering when this video was coming out 👍

[@jackcoats4146]

I've been thinking of getting some used panels. I don't have a solar system now, but really want to go ground mount due to our roof situation. Still, interesting results. Thanks for the info.

[@goatlady7761]

Purchased 20 used 250w panels for $300 au$ dollars they work great!

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Awesome!

[@carlosberrio2206]

Only in América.🍿🍺lol

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

For how much longer?

[@annieroberts1204]

Well. Let's see what ya have to say. I see cheap, used panels. But didn't find many specs on em. Now, maybe will help. Thanks.

[@postalcollective7111]

Good insights. I have just replaced my existing 10yr old system with a current version of the same capacity (because I have a contract with the energy provider in AUST, that gives me an awesome feed in tariff of 0.55c/kwh). The newer system is far more efficient and output is nearly 70% more than the old so will pay for itself in 18months. Now my old panels and inverter I'd love to use but the roof is the only area in my property that doesnt suffer lots of shade. I'd really like to re-use the old system, just havent yet figured out how.

[@Walt1119]

Great informative video!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us!!!

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dscrive]

A few years ago I crunched the numbers on solar panel degradation, if I recall correctly, to maintain fairly consistent output you only have to replace one panel in 10 every 10 years or so, that's just based on the average drop in efficiency over time and doesn't take into account physical damage to the panels (hail, sand etc), I'm not any sort of engineer, however, I tried to be conservative in my calculations so I'm reasonably certain they are, at worst, overly pessimistic. I think it's more environmentally friendly to keep panels as long as you can compensate for their degradation, since panels don't seem to care about mixing performance (unlike batteries) it also seems rational from an economic standpoint to just replace a couple panels every few years.

[@Yahgiggle]

A lot of people think solar stops producing after about 20 years, but solar will keep producing power till the panel is damaged witch could be from the day you put the panel on your system (unlikely) till way after you have died.

[@martingorbush2944]

I suppose that thanks to micro DC/AC converters you can tell how much power is generated by each pannel. Nice.

[@JD_Mortal]

It would be worth taking a day or two, and testing each panel and micro-inverter. Use the best resulting micro-inverter to test each panel. Then use your best panel to test each micro-converter. It can be a combination of both, resulting in the total issue. You have two options at that point. The most logical might be to setup or pair the best of each together. However, if reversed, you may get more linear output. Having the best panel on the worst inverter and the worst panel on the best inverter. Creating a more uniform output. The inverters are not exactly perfect and have many internal parts that can alter the total output. That includes false readings of output vales too. Always double-check the real amp output in relation to what the micro-inverter is "guessing" for display. It may report an assumed output of 255 watts, but in reality, it may actually be outputting 275 to 225, in real power. At the least, move your worst panels to the ends, for future potential replacement. As few as you have, you could get two "tracker setups", to boost output and get 40%-60% more output. You can get a daily tracker and manually adjust the horizon asimouth monthly. No real need for a full "dual axis tracker", because the horizon really only changes a little each month, in the 3 transition months in spring and fall. Those 16 panels would output nearly 28 panels of power. It's worth making a diy setup for.

[@hogtrolley88]

I just found your channel today and have been binging. I’m wondering if you have any insight on installing solar on a roof that probably doesn’t have a whole lot of life left in it..

[@DoubleJHas2ManyDoodles]

Just a thought from someone in the industrial field. Industrial installations are not well taken care of. Just be aware.

[@chris_mk5supra]

got 230 watt panel for 35 € today, looks great, can't wait to test them, at this price, can't go wrong :D

[@jeffericsson7780]

Sometimes it is the inverter that goes bad. I have enphase 215 and 250's and one of the 215's inverters started producing one third less than all the rest. I thought it was the panel so I changed out some diodes but nothing changed so I swapped panels to a different inverter and it worked fine so I know it was the inverter. Contacted enphase and thy sent me a new one. Didn't even want the old one back.

[@jeffericsson7780]

I self installed my system and got my panels from sunelectric in Florida at 42 cents a watt.

[@gnagyusa]

I bought 16 327W used SunPower panels for $110 each (4x cheaper than new ones) and couldn't be happier. They've been working perfectly for several years.

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

Four times cheaper? One quarter the cost of new ones?

[@BDavis548]

Getting used solar panels for my Aquaponics farm. Solarizing a farm is all about being cost-effective

[@simonpeter9617]

One quick question, how often do u need to clear ur car ? Seems in middle east, the dust plays a major role to prevent the full application of solar system for housings

[@YazeedCR]

Hi, been a follower for a while now. Love the channel, keep it up! Do you mind sharing the music tracks in this video? thnx

[@stevenbarrett7648]

Nice one !

[@mozismobile]

There's also tax and depreciation to consider for the companies. They write the panels off over probably five years (this isn't tax advice!) so after that they have "no value" as far as the accountants are concerned. Also, if any panels have problems in the whole array it's often better to replace the whole lot because the labour cost of finding one bad panel and replacing just that is significant, especially if you have to do that more than once... all the same panels, likely to have similar faults at similar times. FWIW I have new panels on my house roof coz that's grid-tied and certified, but second hand ones on my sheds where I have DIYd everything.

[@BenjaminGatzke]

What constitutes ‘commercial’ panel? Certain manufacturers? A commercial designation? Size or cell composition? I.E. what should we look for and perhaps, where should we look?

[@danieljones7560]

I wonder if the micro inverters have also improved between your old and new. I have a 3.15 kW system installed about 11 years ago with an SMA string inverter. Has had no problems. I'm looking at adding more but haven't decided yet if I will again do a string inverter or micro or dc optimizers. Plus code has changed too. But my plan is to self install. As far as used panels, I'd totally do it. My wife said no though. Lol I've also noticed new old overstock by the pallet as well online. Great video, thank you!

[@chetlockwood1491]

I bought 50 used panels and will test them before they are installed, also the used panels from San Tan Solar have a one year warranty . If you have low outputting panels you should have acted on getting them replaced. I'm 70, I'm installing the system myself, Old Dog, New Tricks, It's the only way I can afford a decent sized system configured the way I want.

[@prerunnerwannabe]

I love the idea of using used panels. I just need to own my own home haha

[@ThomasBomb45]

Protip: buy your home used to save money there as well

[@UmCanalAleatorioh]

Nice video, thank you

[@dig1035]

That's why you need a Tesla truck!👍 Thumbs up and subscribed!

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

I didn’t want to spend any more time with the seller than I had to. So I was fine with the level of risk :) cybertruck would be grand :)

[@jenniferw8963]

So for these 12 panels, how much did it cost for the bracket, the inverter and net metering hookup. How much was the installation. I'd like to have like 20 of these panels on my roof.. buy them used and install them ourselves. Would be nice if I could do it for like $7k or less total. Our city offers net metering so it'd probably pay for itself in 5 years or so.

[@johnb4183]

Excellent ! How about used inverters or even batteries? Thanks for the video.

[@karenc7228]

I just bought a house that has solar panels on the roof. The system is in good working order and is still under warranty but I need a new roof and I'd like to sell the system to someone who is interested. How do I get started in this process? Thank you!

[@azatecas]

That's huge savings specially if you install them yourself

[@Electronzap]

Sounds like used solar panels are good for DIYers, but should probably be avoided by those that will need someone else to fix things.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Agreed

[@evolt7553]

Buying used solar panels sounds like buying used condoms.

[@Muonium1]

Can also test the panels before installing by finding someone with a far IR camera and looking for hot spots on the panels under load, or using a near IR camera (any cell phone camera with eg. a piece of unexposed developed negative film or piece of old floppy disk over it) and reverse biasing the panel to observe the ~1100nm near IR electroluminescence emitted from the individual cells - cracks and defects are obvious.

[@josepeixoto3384]

How is the reverse biasing test done, polarity,volts,amps? thank you

[@justinfowler2857]

I think I'd be ok with used on a ground mount system. That way you can easily swap out bad parts.

[@rohanjones7238]

Had an old system that inverter died bought a larger capacity inverter on fleabay and someone’s had panels replaced under insurance that just wanted to get rid of .... 10 free panels I have to install and will take inverter to capacity with a few spares ...just waiting on battery storage to come down in affordability

[@Lo_Durr]

This broken or high resistance conjunctions can cause severe damage in the future. Watch this panels with a thermographic camera und you will find higher temperatures on this spots. In the next years this will damage the backsheet of the panel and rise the resistance of the conjunction even more. Just IMHO this deal was quite unfair.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

only 2 panels have this issue, and I could buy brand new panels to replace those two, if they ever do fail, and it would still be thousands cheaper... think you need to check your math.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

i'll also do a future video if things change.

[@Lo_Durr]

@@TwoBitDaVinci My intention was not to criticize your math but to motivate you to have a eye on this panels regularly.

[@richardnwilson]

I agree I bought some BP Solar Panels brand new and within a year or two most of the panels developed bad connections where the leads exited the back of the panel which BP considered to be a fire hazard because of heat buildup. With a great deal of documentation I was able to have all my panels replaced. Later there was a class action lawsuit against BP worth millions of dollars. Bad connections can cause heat buildup and can be dangerous. If the panels are on your roof it is possible if they could cause a house fire.

[@Lo_Durr]

@@richardnwilson 2008/2009 I worked for the company that was charged by BP to replace the involved panels in Switzerland. It was an official recall by BP.

[@basspig]

I bought 40 used panels. The problem was the shipping was way more than the cost of the panels. The panels were $38 each but the shipping was over $1,000 from arizona. It's rough being in the Northeast nobody has solar panels for sale especially used ones there are any decent.

[@bounchofbeaners6627]

have them shipped closer and just make a small day trip to pick em up..sometimes they triple charge just based on your terrain. even though it is accessable.

[@basspig]

@@bounchofbeaners6627 The big companies like San Tan don't offer many options like that. I went with Sungold Power this time around and got 16 new 450W panels for about $4K, free shipping, delivered. Another place in the midwest was going to charge $1800 just for shipping! Sungold uses the Amazon delivery system, so the costs are way cheaper.

[@gr8bkset-524]

Solar panels are rated to work at 70% of new capacity after 30 years. You can bring a volt meter and check the open circuit voltage and current before buying. At 1/3 price of new ones, the risk is low.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Most are rated for 80% after 30 years. Yes I’ll do that in the future

[@ashforkdan]

I've had 4 - 50 watt pannels that are Arco pannels from the 60s and they still put out what they are rated at.

[@recycled3654]

I'm good with used panels, depending on the age. I would buy new panels if possible. Also another concern is actual mounting on the roof, seeing how installers are not roofers and roofers are not solar panel installers. I do not trust either industry to do a good job other than their own trade. I would build a separate structure for solar panels and battery storage. Thank you for your report.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Good installers will do a good job on your roof. 10 years later on my original panels and there are 0 leaks or any other issue. Your roof is the best place for them. They actually keep your home cooler and reduce the need to cooling.

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@jumar360]

Thank you for sharing. Did you have to get a new inverter? Was that used?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

I got new enphase microinverters as I couldn’t readily find them used

[@stubbshomestead1316]

Can you post where you bought these from?

[@timothyhaycraft2807]

Good speech, albeit I can't seem to find any availability of these 2ed hand solar panels anywhere?

[@saneblane]

Checkout Santan solar, they have some panels left.

[@_BostonMatt]

E-bay

[@xeridea]

Warranty isn't really an issue if you are only paying 30% the cost. If 10% of the panels are sub par... who cares? If some panels degrade faster after 10-20 years, you still saved loads of cash with used, and at that point, panels will be cheaper anyway if you were to replace a couple. I have seen used panels for sale that are only 1-2 years old, but still super cheap. Also, if you are able to do the installation yourself, the cost of panels suddenly becomes a big issue. You can get kits for around $1.50/watt or less.

[@DeckEdge]

Where did you buy the used Panels in this video?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Just check Craigslist and offer up periodically. You can find great deals

[@benkanobe7500]

I really like your YT videos. I live in San Diego (Fallbrook) and I think I remember you are in San Diego as well. I purchased my first four panels (new) and have been considering used as you did. I have a couple questions I hope you can answer: * Since I am a DIY Guy, will folks like Drone Quote just put the Rail/mounting system on my roof without them doing all the other stuff (that I can do)? * Would you recommend the folks you purchased your used panels from and are they still selling used commercial panels? * Did you ever get solar storage or are you still just spinning the meter backward (so to speak)? * Could you please do a documentation/tour of your complete system? Thanks so much for your YT as you convey so much useful information in a very short amount of time and do it in way we can all understand. Thanks!!!

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

yeah I'm in La Mesa :) Not sure DroneQuote will do that, but its worth reaching out!

[@spyghetti]

awesome video and information

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Glad you liked it!

[@stanwolenski9541]

Where in the great state of Texas would one begin looking for quality used panels?

[@waynewilliamson4212]

thanks for showing the corroding pics....don't know if I would do used panels based on that. Let us know if they have failed in 10 years (lol). Seems like a great price and I hope they last

[@waynewilliamson4212]

question, does any of your original panels show corroding....

[@fft2020]

I still need to get the house first to consider the panels after In my country we work all life to have nothing

[@dcyphyr]

Thats every country

[@GroovyVideo2]

watching this on total fusion power

[@donovankriasol]

Gracias por la información.

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

De nada mi amigo!

[@mr88cet]

Excellent topic thanks! (Somehow I missed this video when you published it a while back.) Did I see this correctly: The two used panels that weren’t doing as well generate about as much - 32ish - as your original panels, and the other ten used ones are producing considerably more - 48ish - than your original panels?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

My original panels were 235w and my new ones were 315w panels... but yah what I said :)

[@mr88cet]

@@TwoBitDaVinci, ah, apparently I missed that. Excellent info; thanks!

[@Soepsliert]

Did you also consider getting a used inverter/micro inverters, or is the availability not as good?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

I couldn’t find much in the way of used inverters! Also string inverters last around 10-50 years, not the 30 years of the panels. Also enphase microinverters last over 25 years, but I couldn’t find 12 used ones :)

[@ptodd1306]

Very interesting video. I thought it was a shame you didn’t look at the economic outcome of the installation in terms of how much electricity bill you are now saving and what the ROI is. I’d also be interested to see the data of how much was produced and used. Do you plan to add batteries to your system and /or the ability to keep your system working when the grid goes down

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Getting a powerwall Monday!

[@samguapo4573]

I'd love to hear more about solar panels older than 25 years and how "matchable" are the old panels with controllers etc... does the volts degrade? or the amps generated?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Yah if you have 25 year old panels that are still working, which is common based on comments from viewers, Just leave them alone to do their work. But I wouldn’t recommend buying panels that old. Efficiency and stuff have just come too far in that time frame

[@samguapo4573]

@@TwoBitDaVinci If the price is right or better and you have the space and its workable, why not :) Besides 70% efficiency is better than 0% efficiency. Actually im curious what efficiency a 100 year old panel would bring :) Would it be the silicon? Or the wiring that is doing the actual degrading?

[@stolz999]

I live in the north of Russia. There is no sun all winter. Clouds, snow, daylight is very short. Therefore, buying solar panels is a bad idea for me. Nothing better as a nuclear reactor is good for my home.

[@TheRealJamesKirk]

What is your latitude? Do you have permafrost soil conditions?

[@carlosberrio2206]

Dont worry. March 2023. You guys are going to get nuclear energized Putin son.

[@PapaPiggie]

Lg hmmm. What a difference a year makes

[@saturn7_dev]

NO - checking the open circuit voltage wont tell you the power output of the solar panel - you need to do a short circuit current test for max amps out in direct sunlight. If you don't cover the panel before connecting and disconnecting your multi-metre leads will fry the multi-meter most likely also. Just so you know...compare the max amps to the rated amps output to see degradation amount. 2nd hand panels are better bang for your buck if you have the room - paid like 15c/watt myself that way in Australia.

[@josepeixoto3384]

how exactly does the full sun Short Circuit Test on **ONE** panel at a time damage the meter? i ask, because i've done it many times and all is well so far.

[@saturn7_dev]

@@josepeixoto3384 The initial join creates a small spark due to sudden change in current. This creates a high voltage spike and can easily damage cheaper meters.

[@josepeixoto3384]

@@saturn7_dev a high voltage... i always wonder about that; WHERE does the high voltage come from, with to up-transformer,no diodes etc; that would be nice, but i don't see how that is possible; as far as the spark,that is real, i just do it FAST ,do not let it linger,or else it is like welding with an electrode; never do it with,say,60 VDC for example,unless you're lightning fast,the spark reaches over 1 cm; of course, higher DC voltages,longer spark; it burns the tips of the contacts.

[@DormantIdeasNIQ]

test the panels on the ground before installing!!! to avoid installing crappy ones!

[@richardnwilson]

That corrosion under the glass is a very bad sign. Most panels have redundant connections but you have probably lost one of your redundant connections with that kind of corrosion. Moisture is getting in there somehow.

[@rvlifestylelivin]

San tan solar got me 250w panels for $50 each, I don't care about a warranty when solar is this cheap!! They even have a few panels $40ea. If you are holding back from going solar because of how expensive it is, you can start out small! You don't even need to tie into the electrical grid! buy 2 250w panels $125, 1 12v 60amp charge controller from amazon $50, buy 2 used 12v battery local usually $100ea deep agm or LifePo4 is even better . then buy a 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter (Renogy $300) you now have a complete up-gradable solar system for under $700! attach batteries in parallel, keep adding batteries in parallel as you can afford. This can run lighting and a small a/c window unit. simple and cheap startup for those who don't have a ton of money for a huge startup but want some energy freedom!

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

You ever cook, dry clothes, heat water, or charge your EV?

[@Gary_Pauls_DIY]

Funny...LG is no longer making solar panels. So picking a company you think will be in business for a long time doesn't always pay off.

[@twistdshade]

Are you sure the degradation of your one original panel isn't just due to its location? Looks like it's on the lower part of the roof and might be partially shaded part of the day.

[@Nature_Quixote]

I got $0.25 per watt for mine!!!

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Nice!

[@benkanobe7500]

What makes a panel a "commercial panel"?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

great question, usually residential panels are 60 cell (6 wide by 10 tall) you can see and count them. Commercial panels are bigger usually 6x12 or 72, or even more sometimes. the result is a higher voltage, and so usually companies need to make inverters accordingly. but you can get commercial 72 cell panels you just need to pair it correctly. I am going to cover all of this in future videos coming soon

[@benkanobe7500]

@@TwoBitDaVinci Thank you. I'm going to go count cells on my used poly panels (that at solar noon perform as new).

[@dan203]

I know you're a "drone quote" partner, but Tesla has the best price available right now. Their "medium" system is $1.95/w BEFORE tax credit. ($1.45/w after) Even the "small" system is $2.45/w before tax credit. ($1.82/w after) So a system that's $3/w as you recommend is 1/3 more then you could be paying.

[@ravenragnar]

With how much the shipping prices cost. No. Might as well buy new.

[@ABSOLICE]

June 2022, LG Solar exits the solar industry

[@JWestin]

I just searched for 30 min for used "commercial" panels and there is so much noise when searching! Do you think you could at least point us in the same direction you?

[@kuhrd]

Check the local craigslist for solar panels. That is usually the best bet in my experience. I already bought 3300 watts of panels only 2 years old from one seller last year all performing well, and I plan to buy another 4000 watts of panels from another seller this year once I have the cash. Anyone selling in bulk is likely selling commercial panels off of big installations.

[@lastzombiehunter]

Drone quote is not unserviceable in my area

[@johndodge2188]

Why not at the beginning of the day

[@timkbirchico8542]

Good recycling of panels, however a lot of energy is used to make solar panels, regulators and inverters. Best we all reduce power consumption and buy less electronic goods. Come on let's get with it.

[@shaneclk9854]

Where can I get used solar?

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Check Craigslist

[@dig1035]

Why didn't you upgrade all your old panels with heavily discounted but better spec used panels? Why didn't you test used panels and reject the clunkers?

[@max_galingumas9409]

solar panels are kinda cheap so imo its better to buy new panels. also you get ~20-30 year warranty. installation work, wiring and inverters are very expensinve.

[@mattd5419]

what even makes a solar panel to degradate? and can't a solar panel be regenerated?

[@mikefrayman5224]

The panels go bad with usage they don’t last forever

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

yes I know, my first 5 are 10 years old now. they last about 30 years

[@FrankLowe1949]

How can some thing with no moving parts being called used.???