I'm considering purchasing some solar panels and racking that were taken off a house because of hail damage. What should I look for to make sure they're still functional? Also, if I decide to use Tigo optimizers, can I use a mix of different panels in one string, just in case I run into any issues with some of them?
2 Answers
If the glass on the panels is cracked, I would steer clear of them. Even if they still produce power, those cracks can let moisture in, which leads to quicker degradation and can even pose a fire hazard. If they were free, I might grab them just for the aluminum frame, but otherwise, it’s a risky deal!
Using damaged panels on the ground might be okay, but I wouldn't recommend putting them on a roof—swapping them out becomes a hassle if one fails. Not sure about prices in the US, but here in the UK, damaged panels often just go for 'come and get them'!