For many recycling is the name of the game in home improvement. Why use new building materials when used will work just as well and cost a lot less?  That is certainly the case for refurbished solar panels in most cases.

When you use reused solar panels you are investing in clean energy for your home– at a lower up front cost.  Many families would love to install solar renewable energy, but can’t afford the up front cost. Installing solar panels to replace the home’s heat, cooling and hot water systems can cost many thousands of dollars in panels and thousands more in related equipment and installation costs.  There are adapters, smart meters and many other pieces of equipment needed to use the solar panels effectively.  Over time going green with solar panels will save on energy costs, but up front, the price is steep.

To look for refurbished solar panels check out online and offline retailers and resellers.  In addition to searching for used panels in perfect condition– even ones that are as much as 20 years old may work well– check out broken panels for the ultimate in savings.  If you are handy with repairs, or have taken a community college course in solar panel assembly and installation, you may well be able to save a bundle by repairing broken solar parts. If you want you can make a business of repairing and selling refurbished solar panels and bidding sites over the Internet.

There are some things that you should keep in mind when looking for reused solar panels.  Older panels may cost less, but new panels will take up less space.  If space is a premium, then you may be guided to getting newer solar panels. You need to check broken panels carefully.  Many may take just minor adjustments to get into working order, while others are hopeless.  Avoid panels that have cracked glass or condensation under the glass.

The federal support for solar remodeling these days is massive. Homeowners have through 2016 to qualify for a solar tax credit where 30% of the total cost up to $500 per .5kW will qualify.  There may well be other solar rebates available from state and local governments or utilities, and in some locations no- or low-interest loans are available.  Again, refurbished solar systems may not qualify.

There are more benefits to going solar than the potential tax credits.  The earth benefits by fewer carbon emissions when solar energy is used.  Further, when you recycle used solar panels you are contributing to green building practices and further energy savings.

You just need to calculate carefully the financial savings of going with refurbished versus buying new and claiming solar tax credits and other solar rebates.  See which is best for your pocketbook and go with it!

Tags: energy tax credit, home improvement, solar panels, solar tax credit

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am and is filed under Green tax. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.