I've been running a 5kW inverter with four 175W solar panels for about 15 years now, and they're still functioning pretty well! Originally, they produced around 27kW on good days, but that's decreased to about 22kW. Now that my family has grown and we have an electric vehicle that needs charging at home, I'm thinking of upgrading to a larger system (either 6.6kW or 10kW) with battery storage. However, I can't keep the old system connected to the grid due to government regulations, and I really don't want to just throw it away since it still works fine. I've been wondering how I can repurpose my old solar setup so it doesn't go to waste. Any ideas other than just junking it?
3 Answers
You might want to stack your old panels on a pallet and post them on local selling platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for a low price. They could be perfect for someone building a small cabin or looking to set up a DIY project!
If you're interested in giving back a bit, think about donating them to local charities or animal shelters. Many places could use solar energy but might not have the budget for setup. A neighbor or friend might also appreciate an upgrade to their off-grid living setup!
I tried that, but my local shelters weren’t equipped to handle solar panels. I had better luck selling my old ones on Craigslist.
Instead of throwing them away, you could creatively repurpose them! Some folks are using old panels as roofing for sheds or even making outdoor runways for pets. Plus, if you’re into DIY, you can convert the entire system to be off-grid; just swap to an off-grid inverter and add a battery setup!
I love that idea! I've seen people use panels as fencing too. Double duty for sure!
That’s a solid idea! I’d recommend considering sites like Olio or Buy Nothing too, where you can give them away for free to those in need.