Second hand panels vs new panels - which to choose?

davidmiller · 01-16-18, 05:45 AM

Hi ecorenovators!

I am facing a tough challenge. I need to choose between brand new and used solar panels for my 7kW PV system. I'm more inclined toward brand new panels simply because of higher efficiency and warranty. But on the other hand the second hand panels are so much cheaper...I would save few thousands with used panels. I did some research on efficiency and I'm sort of convinced that new panels are a better option...but a good friend of mine told me that panel efficiency is not important when it comes to ROI.

I kindly ask anyone here to write their opinion on this, maybe someone that bought used panels. I wonder that's the conversion ratio from sunlight to electricity on used panels...theoretically should be much lower right? but how much?

01-16-18, 05:45 AM	#1
davidmiller Lurking Renovator Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: US and Europe Posts: 7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Second hand panels vs new panels - which to choose? Hi ecorenovators! I am facing a tough challenge. I need to choose between brand new and used solar panels for my 7kW PV system. I'm more inclined toward brand new panels simply because of higher efficiency and warranty. But on the other hand the second hand panels are so much cheaper...I would save few thousands with used panels. I did some research on efficiency and I'm sort of convinced that new panels are a better option...but a good friend of mine told me that panel efficiency is not important when it comes to ROI. I kindly ask anyone here to write their opinion on this, maybe someone that bought used panels. I wonder that's the conversion ratio from sunlight to electricity on used panels...theoretically should be much lower right? but how much?