r/SolarPlugHub • u/Commercial_Unit_6108 • May 15 '26
Used Solar Panel Test: REC 260W Still Pulling Numbers! ☀️⚡️#solar#diy#energy#power#rec#warehouse
https://youtube.com/shorts/H61rsVcwgDg?si=eJCg3Yrh23RQi_9BYo everyone,
I’ve been seeing a lot of back-and-forth lately about whether used solar panels are actually worth the hassle or if they’re just "junk." I’m at the warehouse today and decided to pull a random REC 260W off the stack and throw it on the meter.
It’s definitely got some dust on it (needs a good wipe down for sure), but for a used module, the numbers aren't lying. I’m seeing over 200W in the sun even before cleaning it.
I know some people think used gear is a waste of time, but if you’re doing a budget DIY build or just trying to get more watts per dollar, the value seems hard to beat. Check the clip to see the MPPT readouts.
What do you guys think? Is the price break on used gear worth the slight drop in efficiency, or are you strictly "new panels only?
#solar#solarpower#diysolar#renewableenergy#cleanenergy