Going solar is one of the best things you can do for your finances and the planet.
The solar power industry is booming at the moment, increasing by about 33% every year. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, this is the time to do it. Prices are dropping, and incentives are still available that make purchasing solar panels pretty affordable.
That being said, there’s still a major up-front cost that you need to consider. If you can’t justify spending $15,000 right now, you might consider installing a used solar panel system instead.
In this post, we’re going to give you a quick guide on how to install used solar panels. Keep reading to understand the DIY approach and to save yourself loads of money in the process.
Buying a Used Solar Panel System
Some folks have concerns about buying used solar panels. Obviously, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your solar power investment, so you need to make sure they’re in good condition when you buy used.
The truth is, in many situations, buying used solar panels can be just as good as buying them new. Because the technology is so young, it’s difficult to understand how long solar panels actually last with wear and tear.
When you find solar equipment that looks the part, have a qualified professional take a look at them to make sure they’re in pristine condition. If they are, you’ll pay a fraction of the price for solar panels that do the exact same job.
How to Install Your Solar Panels
Buying a used solar panel system, you may decide to install them on your own. You don’t have to do it this way – there are companies that can handle the installation for you – but it will save you lots of money to take the DIY approach.
Assuming you have all of the necessary equipment, you’ve had your roof inspected, you’ve come up with the design, and your building permits are in order, you can start installing your used solar panels right away. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Mark where your system will be installed and put the racking down
- Install the solar panels and microinverters on the racking with the grounding wire
- Install the solar inverter and battery, then connect them to your electrical board
- Schedule an inspection with a construction authority and obtain a meter to keep track of your power
- Talk to your utility company and fire up your used solar panel system
The Benefits of Going Solar
Whether you buy used solar panels and install them yourself or you purchase panels and installation from a company like Blue Raven Solar, there are countless benefits to going solar.
If you have enough solar panels to offset your energy usage, you won’t have to pay your hydro bill anymore. When you combine this with the fact that you can sell excess energy back to the grid for a profit, you’ll break even on your solar panels in no time.
The other thing is that you’ll be helping a planet in dire need of change. Going solar drastically cuts down your fossil fuel usage. The more people that do this, the better chance we have of slowing and reversing climate change.
Enjoy Your Used Solar Panels
Now that you know how to install your used solar panel system and understand the benefits of solar energy, it’s time to take the plunge and go solar ASAP. Once your panels are up and running, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
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