I'm about to buy 80 acres for an off-grid homestead and I'm diving into costs for energy, water, and sewer. Since space isn't a problem for me, I'm wondering if investing in used solar panels with lower capacity would save me money. Is it smart to go with these used panels, or would the extra expenses for wiring, mounting gear, and maintenance cancel out the savings?
3 Answers
It really depends on what deals you can find. I heard of someone snagging 7 kW of used panels for just $100-200! If you stumble upon something similar, it could be a steal!
Be careful about costs adding up with solar racking. I recently upgraded my rooftop system and the support structure ended up costing nearly as much as the panels themselves. Unless you find used panels that are both cheap and still in decent shape, newer panels could be a better route since they tend to be more efficient and easier to install.
Right? I've noticed that newer panels often perform better too—especially with advances in poly and mono technology.
Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag. If you're going the DIY route for mounting, that could make used panels more viable. But if you stick with pre-made systems, those extra costs can add up fast. Check out local resale options too; I know someone who sells used panels for as low as 8 cents per watt! Just be sure you’re okay handling any repairs yourself, as pros might hesitate to work with used equipment you obtained independently.
Totally! I bet in the future, cheap panels will be everywhere. In 10-15 years, getting a 10 kW setup for under $100 might not even be a dream. People might not even care about efficiency as much—just throw up more panels!