Double the sustainability: auctions for second-hand solar panels

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that,” said US Inventor and Electrical Engineer Thomas Alva Edison to his friends, automotive pioneer Henry Ford and tyre manufacturer Harvey Firestone back in 1931.

In 2022, the need for the energy transition is on everyone’s lips. And as Thomas Edison already recognised in 1931, photovoltaic systems play a key role here. Solar energy systems have never been more in demand, posing a sensible alternative for people to produce their own power and make their operations more energy-independent in times of rising energy prices and a looming gas crisis.

Overview of solar technology

There are two types of solar technology: Thick-film solar cells consist of crystalline silicon – either one crystal (monocrystalline) or several crystals (polycrystalline). Thin-film cells consist of amorphous, non-crystalline silicon or other semi-conductor materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe). The power is generated in the same way with both types: The photons meeting the cell release electrons from their semi-conductor cage.

The major advantage of the thick-film module is its efficiency of over 20% – twice as high as that of the thin-film version – but it is quite a bit more expensive to produce. This is because the semi-conductor material of a thin-film solar cell is sprayed or coated extremely thinly onto a carrier layer, while crystalline silicon has to be cut into the thick-film cells. Anyone with a lot of space on their roof should opt for thin-film modules. This is especially the case in the industrial sector with its flat roof warehouses.

Solar power: Eco-friendly, profitable and independent

The advantages of having your own solar energy system are clear. It is a clean, emission-free way to obtain energy. Solar energy systems play a key role to protecting the environment. Generating your own electricity also reduces energy bills permanently and protects you from rising energy prices.

Solar modules are low-maintenance and have a long service life. It therefore pays off to look for second-hand cells. Above all, because new goods are currently in low supply, as solar cell manufacturers are having problems sourcing their basic material. And because photovoltaics have another major disadvantage: they are expensive to purchase. Buying used solar plants is one way to significantly reduce investment costs.

The best eco-balance for the second-hand solar energy systems market

In addition, the production of new solar modules is an energy guzzler and requires silicon and semi-conductor materials. Ghislaine Duijmelings, one of the Managing Directors at Surplex, emphasised: “Auctions are sustainable.” Online industrial auction house Surplex specialises in the sale of second-hand machines. While it focuses on the wood and metal sector, the portfolio ranges from robots and desks down to solar energy systems, meaning it offers practically everything a company could possibly need.

Duijmelings explained: “Every second-hand machine sold on Surplex.com saves vast amounts of CO₂ and raw materials compared to its new production. With approx. 55,000 machines and operational installations going under the hammer every year, CO₂ can be reduced by around 1,300 tonnes a year‒ an enormous sustainability factor!”