Understanding the worth of old solar panels is important for environmental, economical and practical reasons. Old solar panels have recycling, repurposing and resale value. The exact worth of solar panels depends on their age, condition and the buyer. The components of solar panels are 90% recyclable so their parts can be used for other industries. Second hand solar panels that are still functioning can be sold on platforms like Marketplace, Ebay or Gumtree and will on average get about $10 to $20 per panel. The best place for selling used solar panels is through scrap metal dealers that will recycle them.
What is an Old Solar Panel?
Old solar panels are either solar panels that have come to the end of their lifespan or solar panels that are being sold second hand. Solar panels usually last about 25 to 30 years which is considered the system’s ‘useful life’. Most systems will operate for 25 years before there is a noticeable drop in energy production. At this stage they can still convert sunlight into usable energy but less efficiently.
Secondhand solar panels, on the other hand, may still be functioning at maximum efficiency. Owners may be selling them to upgrade their system, for financial reasons or environmental benefits. Used panels may be available due to decreased energy needs or replaced during renovations. Large solar farms sometimes replace older panels with the latest technology.
What Determines the Value of Old Solar Panels
The value of old solar panels is determined by their condition, age and quality. Solar panels that are still working and under warranty will be worth more than panels that have reached the end of their lifespan. The main factors that influenced solar panel value are:
- Age: Solar panels naturally deteriorate over time and with age. Losing about 0.5% to 1% of efficiency each year, the average lifespan of a solar panel is 25 to 30 years. After that time, solar panels are less efficient but still able to produce electricity. While this decline is gradual, it’s a crucial factor in determining the panel’s current worth. The performance drop means older solar panels will generally fetch a lower price. A five year old solar panel will be worth significantly more than a 25 year old solar panel as its efficiency will be higher.
- Efficiency: Solar panel efficiency is determined by the percentage of sunlight converted to electricity. Panels that are more efficient will be worth more than those with lower efficiency. The efficiency rate of a solar panel is influenced by the age, type of panel, maintenance and conditions.
- Brand and model: High quality solar panels from reputable distributors will usually command a higher resale value. Panels that are highly efficient like monocrystalline with about 20 to 22% efficiency and polycrystallines at about 14 to 17% will often fetch more than thin film panels with efficiency of about 7 to 13%.
- Condition and maintenance: The physical condition of solar panels affects resale value. If panels have been well maintained, cleaned regularly and kept free from physical damage they will sell for more.
- Warranty status: Solar panels that are still under warranty inspire more buyer confidence that the panels will be energy efficient. While solar panels that are second hand and removed from the original installation usually void their warranty, the original warranty is still a good indication of longevity.
Pre-owned vs Refurbished Solar Panels
When looking at the worth of old solar panels, often the two main types are pre-owned and refurbished. Pre-owned solar panels are used panels that have had no extra work done to them. They may be still in good working order and condition or older panels that are at the end of their useful life. Refurbished solar panels, on the other hand, are panels that have been repaired and restored, and are usually worth more. The main differences between pre-owned and refurbished solar panels are:
- Cost: Pre-owned solar panels will not fetch as much in resale value as they may be less efficient and lower quality. Refurbished panels are likely to be more expensive to buy as they have parts that have been restored or replaced.
- Condition: Pre-owned solar panels are used panels with varying levels of efficiency and damage.
Refurbished solar panels are used solar panels that have been inspected and repaired to ensure maximum efficiency. - Performance: Based on the pre-owned solar panels age and previous use, it is likely that performance will be reduced. Refurbished solar panels will potentially perform better and more consistently due to the refurbishing process.
Who Buys Old Solar Panels?
Depending on the age, condition and type of panel, there are some companies and individuals that will buy them.
- Recycling companies: Solar panels are extremely recyclable with 90% of their components suitable for recycling. Recycles can extract valuable materials like silver, copper, glass and silicon for use in other industries or new solar panels. Recycling reduces waste and helps the environment. Some recyclers charge a fee for their services but others may pay for solar panels especially if they are in good working order or refurbished.
- Scrap metal dealers: Scrap metal dealers buy solar panels for parts like the metals, glass or plastic. The value of the solar panels depends on the condition of the panels, the materials involved, and the current market demand for these materials.
- Secondhand market resellers: These dealers buy and sell old solar panels through specialised platforms or online marketplaces like Ebay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. They acquire used solar panels from people selling them and then may refurbish and resell them for a profit.
- Do-it-yourself enthusiasts: Do-it-yourself enthusiasts buy old solar panels for their own projects. The pre-owned solar panels can be used for off-grid projects and small jobs like powering a shed or charging a battery for camping.
How Old Solar Panel Pricing Works
The price of old solar panels depends on who you are selling them to and solar panel condition. Recyclers, scrap metal buyers and those looking to reuse calculate the value of old solar panels by different factors. These include:
- For scrap metal or recycling: Scrap metal dealers and recycling facilities price solar panels according to weight, metal type and condition. Many recycling facilities will not pay for solar panels unless they are top quality. Scrap metal dealers are more likely to pay for materials from solar panels according to their weight and the metal type. The heavier the weight, the more the solar panel component will be worth. Metals like aluminium and copper also command a higher price.
- For reuse: When buyers like do-it-yourselfers or secondhand market resellers are purchasing for reuse, the price will be dependent on solar panel age, condition and type. Panels that are in good condition or have been refurbished are better for reuse and will fetch a high price. Those that have not reached the end of their useful life and are still highly efficient will also command a better price for reuse than older solar panels.
Is it Better to Sell or Recycle Old Solar Panels?
Most of the materials in solar panels can be recycled which is good for the environment. However, if solar panels are still in good condition, they can fetch a small amount of money. To decide whether to sell or recycle old solar panels, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each. whether to sell or recycle old solar panels When solar panels are old and have become inefficient, it is better to recycle them. However if they are simply being replaced, selling them can be worthwhile. The pros and cons of selling and recycling are:
Selling old solar panels
Selling old solar panels can be a good idea to make some money and reduce waste particularly if the panels are in good working condition. The pros and cons of selling and recycling are:
Pros
- Small return: By selling solar panels, you can earn some money, although they don’t tend to sell for a large amount. Solar panels that still have some working life left may sell for about $10 to $20 per panel. The average solar system of 6.6kW with 24 solar panels would then recoup approximately $240 to $480.
- Direct reuse: Old solar panels can sometimes be sold for direct reuse like powering campervans or campsites.
- Waste reduction: Selling solar panels is better than disposing of them as it reduces landfill and potential contamination from chemicals.
Cons
- Low cost: Used solar panels do not tend to sell for much money. Often they can only be sold for a small percentage of their original cost.
- Low demand: Although there is a market for those wanting to sell used solar panels, the demand is not very high as they are often less efficient and are unlikely to have warranties.
Recycling old solar panels
Solar panel recycling is a way for solar panel components to be used again in building materials, electronic products or even new solar panels. The recycling process involves breaking down the frame and separating the materials like the glass, metal and silicon using special machines. Once removed, the materials are then processed for separate use, and sent to different recycling facilities. The pros and cons of solar panel recycling are:
Pros
- Environmental: Recycling solar panels is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of solar panels that are past their useful life. Most of the components in solar panels can be recycled and used in other industries. It reduces the amount of landfill and ensures the safe disposal of any chemical elements.
- Energy savings: Recycling solar panels saves energy as it uses less energy than processing solar panels from scratch. The process conserves valuable resources and reduces the carbon footprint made from solar panel production.
- Economic benefits: Manufacturing costs are reduced when solar panels are recycled as they use recovered materials like glass and metal rather than sourcing new materials. Recycling plants and facilities also help the economy with job creation.
Cons
- High cost: Recycling is a more expensive process than disposing in landfill. Solar panel recycling costs approximately $28 per panel compared to landfilling for $4.50.
Old solar panels can be sold, reused, or recycled and will usually sell for between $10 and $20 per panel. Old panels can be those at the end of their useful life or those that are still efficient but being sold secondhand. There is a market for used solar panels with online resellers, recyclers and scrap metal dealers all willing to pay for them. To find out if your solar panels are worth anything, contact the team at Tasmania Safer Solar.
1300 655 808
