Refurbished Solar Panels FAQ
We use utility-grade refurbished solar panels, which cost around one-third the price of new panels, in our off-grid solar solutions to help our clients get the biggest bang for their buck. We’ve been using these panels for three years ourselves and have nothing but good experiences with them.
You may wonder, "Are they any good? Do they have warranties? Are they safe? What’s the catch?" Here’s what you need to know.
Where do these refurbished solar panels come from?
These utility-grade solar panels are decommissioned from commercial solar fields when utility companies upgrade their equipment from single-sided panels to bi-facial ones to maximize output without expanding their real estate or mounting equipment.
Our supplier has a sister company that provides decommissioning services to solar fields. Besides having a long-term relationship with them, which allows us to negotiate favorable pricing for high-quality panels, we pool orders from multiple customers to help everyone save on shipping (which accounts for a substantial portion of the final cost.)
We source panels exclusively from installations in southern states like Arizona and New Mexico, where utility companies have strict radiation tolerance requirements. On the other hand, panels from retailers like Amazon aren't designed for the climate conditions here in Caliente.
How long will refurbished solar panels last?
Most of these panels have been used for under 10 years, with around 15 to 20 (or more) of lifespan left. Well-made panels can last up to 40 years. The sturdy frame in which these utility-grade panels come in increases the odds of them surviving the rough elements in Caliente.
The deterioration curve of PV cells isn’t linear, with new ones having a steeper drop in performance during the first five years. The refurbished panels have entered the flatter part of the curve, where deterioration is slower and more predictable.
Do refurbished solar panels meet performance standards?
Refurbished solar panels come in many price points and perform at different levels. We only source those that meet specific power output requirements. Our supplier tests every panel through a standardized process and guarantees their output.
We also do our own spot check when the panels arrive and during implementation. Every panel we have tested performs at over 90% of the stated peak capacity. You can expect them to lose 1% of peak potential capacity per year (~2-3W for 250W panels). After 20 years, the panels will make less power, but they typically won’t just drop dead :)
Do these panels have defects or damages?
Refurbished solar panels come in various price points. The cheaper they are, the more damage or wear they’ve sustained. We only order the highest-quality ones without cracked vinyl backing or oxidation. Some have slight cosmetic issues (snail trails) that don’t impact their performance.
What solar panel brands do you get from your supplier?
It varies based on supply, but we only purchase panels from reputable brands like ReneSola, Canadian Solar, Trina, and LG.
What are the size and weight of these solar panels?
The size and weight vary by brand but most 250W panels are 39”x 65” and weigh about 50 lbs each. Why are they so heavy? These utility-grade panels have rigid metal frames, and the front is made of glass (not polycarbonate used in flexible panels) — making them a lot heavier.
However, flexing is a top cause of failure in solar panels, especially in an environment where the sun and UV are harsh. The glass front means the expected lifespan of these utility-grade panels is up to 100 times longer than that of flexible ones.
A delivery of solar panels for our clients.
Are these panels under warranty?
Refurbished panels don’t carry a manufacturer’s warranty. Our supplier performs quality and performance checks and offers a one-year replacement/repair warranty on the solar equipment against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship.
We had a couple of scratched-up panels and could get a refund from the supplier without jumping through hoops. For clients who purchased panels through us and received a faulty one, we swap out the defective panel with a working one from our stash and handle the claim process with the supplier.
Refurbished panels sound like a good deal. Why aren’t more people using them?
Most solar installations are grid-tied and must use brand-new, type-approved panels. After all, nobody can risk a faulty panel frying the grid and causing outages for half a city!
It’s totally ok to use refurbished panels that have undergone rigorous testing for off-grid solar solutions. Plus, we design low-voltage systems with belt-and-suspender safety measures and use intrinsically safe battery chemistries to make the implementation as safe as possible.
