Used Solar Panels: Where to Buy and What to Pay

With that said, if you’re considering used solar panels for a cool project idea, or just want some free electricity without spending much, this guide is for you. You’ll learn how much to pay, where the best deals can be found and some industry tips.

How Much to Pay

Used solar panel costs vary depending on how old they are, the panel type and how well they’re still working. Here’s a rough guide to UK used solar panel prices.

5-10 year old used solar panels are the bracket you’ll want to look for, they’re new enough to still have a decent amount of efficiency (life) left in them, and be monocrystalline (the ones you want).

A brand new modern solar panel, like a Jinko or JA Solar can cost new £55-85 so used panels should be around half that price, maximum. Just bear in mind there’s no warranty, you won’t be able to do any MCS certification with them and they will have lost some efficiency.

Hidden costs like shipping can easily push the price of used solar panels up to unacceptable levels. Each panel can weigh up to 20kg each and cost £15-30 in shipping costs, so collect in person locally where possible.

Where to Buy

eBay

Large selection nationwide, you can search there for “used solar panels” or click here to go directly to these listings.

Filter by location, and choose local pickup for the best deals (avoids shipping costs). Avoid sellers with bad feedback, stock photos in the description, or “untested” (usually means not working). Prices here start at £10 and go up to £70+. If you order here with shipping, it’s almost always better to buy new instead.

Facebook Marketplace

The best thing about buying used solar panels on Facebook Marketplace is everyone expects negotiation. It’s usually a bit of a jumble sale, with dreamers posting panels for nearly new prices, all the way to exceptional value job lots from solar farms.

Gumtree

Similar to Facebook Marketplace but with a slightly older user base. Often has bulk lots from tradespeople clearing stock. Check regularly as listings cycle quickly.

Used to be more popular, but still has some good deals. If you’re in the market, for sure worth checking out any listings in your area.

Solar Farm Decommissioning Sales

If you need a lot of panels, this is almost certainly what you want to look for. While you can find ex-solar-farm panels on eBay and Facebook you can also go direct to local installers, and the farms themselves. The process will be a bit of pot luck, but you might get some good leads.

The best thing about solar farm panels is they’re usually well maintained, and likely to be around 10-15 years old with some life still left in them. Solar farms usually upgrade often, as solar panels do lose efficiency, and newer ones are often more profitable when you include the cash they get from selling the old ones. Ex solar farm panels often sell for £15-25.

Specialist Resellers

If you don’t have time for ringing around trying to find solar farm panels yourself, there’s a great second hand reseller called SecondSol. You can just find the solar panel you want, click and buy it. There’s no negotiation though, and you’ll have to pay shipping. SecondSol is also a great place to pick up spare parts if you already have solar panels, and something breaks.

Local Installers

Solar panel installers often have access to used solar panels from upgrades, and repairs. If you have the time and motivation, picking up the phone and calling around can net you some excellent deals without the expense of shipping.

Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying

Used solar panels are almost always “sold as seen” so it’s worth doing a quick inspection. Here’s a few checks that can be done in 5 mins and will drastically improve the chance of ending up with a good panel.

The Back Label

There should be a label on the back with brand, model number, wattage, voltage, current and date of manufacture. You can use this to make sure it’s the panel advertised. If there’s no sticker, or you can’t read it then it’s best to walk away.

Glass and Cells

Hold the panel in good light, and angle it so you’re looking 45 degrees across the surface. Look for cracks, hairline cracks, yellow or brown tints of the cells, and “snail trails”. Any cracks or delamination, walk away. Snail trails maybe acceptable but seek discounts after testing output.

Backsheet

Turn the panel over, and check the back. You’re looking for bubbling, cracking or burn marks which suggest overheating or UV damage. In all cases walk away.

Junction Box and Cables

Check the junction box, where the cables come out from. If it’s cracked, melted or water damaged it’s not worth repairing. The MC4 connectors can be replaced if damaged for £4 each, so seek appropriate discounts.

Voltage Test

If you can, the best test is to bring a multimeter with you. Set it to DC voltage and connect the probes to the MC4 connectors while the panel faces the sun in the middle of the day. The measurement should be within 5% of rated Voc for a healthy panel. 5-10% below = some degradation but probably fine.

Questions to Ask the Seller

• Why were they removed? “Upgraded to higher wattage” or “roof replacement” = good. “Insurance clearance” or “don’t know” = more risk.
• How old are they? Cross-reference with the manufacturing date on the label.
• Were they working when removed? Obviously you want “yes” but verify with a voltage test if possible.
• Can I inspect/test before buying? If the answer is no, factor that risk into what you’re willing to pay.

What Else You Need: Building a Basic System

Used panels are just one part of a working off-grid setup. Here’s the full component list and what each part costs:

Example Budgets

The key component to get right is the charge controller. MPPT controllers get 15-30% more from your panels than a cheaper PWM type. On an old system that can boost power way over the difference in cost. A good MPPT controller from Victron or EPEver costs £50-80.

Battery choice matters too. Lead acid batteries are very cheap, and fine for very occasional use. Some off grid set-ups use a chain of cheap lead acid batteries, but it’s usually better to spend a bit more and get a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery. They last 3-5x longer.

Refurbished vs Used

Most panels on eBay and Gumtree are used: pulled from a system, sold as-is, no testing. You’re buying blind unless you inspect in person.

Refurbished panels have been flash-tested to verify output, inspected, cleaned, and sometimes come with a short warranty (1-3 years). They cost more, typically £40-80 each, but you know what you’re getting.

For anything you rely on daily (a garden office you work in, a boat you live on), refurbished is worth the premium. For a shed light or allotment fence, used is fine.

Why Not for Your Home?

Quick version. Four reasons:

• No SEG payments: You can only get SEG payments if your panels are new and installed by an MCS certified installer, so while you can power your home, you’ll lose £100-200/yr (or £2,500-5,000 over 25 years) in valuable SEG payments.
• Tiny saving: New panels cost £55-85 each. On a 10-panel system you save £300-500 going used, but the inverter, mounting, wiring, scaffolding, and labour cost the same so it’s really a big loss over time when you factor in efficiency loss and life span. There is a reason solar farms sell them.
• No warranty: New panels have 25-40 year warranties. Used panels have nothing. One failure could cost £300-500 in scaffolding and labour to fix. This is the big one, you get zero warranty with a used solar panel, but a few tens of pounds more you can get 25-40 years of guaranteed power with a new panel.
• Less power: Older panels can be lower wattage. An old 300W panel vs a new 450W panel is a third less power, and you’re probably paying half price.

If costs are an issue, look into solar panel grants, 0% VAT (until March 2027), and solar subscriptions before going second-hand. For choosing panels for your home, see the best solar panels in the UK.

Summary