There are a lot of solar panels sitting in landfills across New York City, and it’s a shame. They were created to help save the world from climate change, but now they are just being wasted. Why is that? Well, most homeowners don’t know how to repair them when there is a significant issue, nor do they know what to do with them if they ever stop working.
To prevent this from happening, we’ve put together a guide for repairing solar panels and adequately recycling them once they are no longer helpful.
The Need for Repurposing Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the most popular renewable energy sources. They are used to generate electricity from solar radiation. However, it is essential to know that these solar panels must be repaired and recycled at one point. This is because they have a life cycle of about 25 years, so they must be repaired and recycled at the end of their life cycle.
There are a few reasons you should repair, reuse and recycle your solar panels instead of throwing them away once they have completed their useful life. The key reason that can be mentioned as to why you should repair, reuse or recycle your solar panels is that it reduces waste on the earth. This is because when people discard their broken or old solar panels in landfills or dumpsites, they contribute to creating more greenhouse gases which in turn cause global warming and climate change.
Based on estimates made by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a leading energy agency, Grist reports that by 2050, as much as 78 million metric tons of solar panels will have reached the end of their useful life, creating approximately 6 million metric tons of new solar e-waste annually. So by reusing, recycling, or repairing solar panels, you will be contributing to reducing the number of greenhouse gases in our environment, which means less pollution.
Repairing, Reusing, or Recycling — Which One to Opt For?
Repairing
When something breaks, it is always tempting to replace it. But before you call a repair service and get a new part or device, take some time to assess whether there is anything that can be done to fix the current one.
For example, if your solar panels have developed cracks, you may be able to repair them instead of buying new ones. This is particularly useful if you are looking for an affordable solution, as repairing solar panels in New York can cost less than half as much as buying new ones.
If your solar panels in New York are damaged but still functional and the damage is not too severe such as a few scratches, then you may be able to use a paintbrush and some touch-up paint to make them look good as new once again.
Reusing
Reusing solar panels is also possible if they are still under warranty or if they are still working well but do not produce enough electricity to meet your needs anymore since they gradually lose efficiency over time.
For example, if you want to reuse your old solar panels instead of recycling them, consider donating them to third-world countries where they can provide electricity for an entire village or school instead of just one house or classroom in your local area.
Recycling
Recycling is all about reducing waste and conserving resources. It is integral to sustainable development and can be applied to almost anything – from solar panels to plastic bottles and even smartphones.
Recycling solar panels in New York is particularly useful because it helps reduce the need for mining new materials from the ground. This means less pollution from mining activities, less deforestation, and a better chance for future generations to enjoy the planet’s natural beauty.
When you recycle solar panels, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also help support the economy by keeping raw materials such as aluminum in circulation. In 2030, Rystad forecasts, the value of recyclable materials from decommissioned PV panels will exceed US$2.7 billion.
3 Easy Ways to Reuse Your Old Solar Panels
Here are three ways to reuse your old solar panels:
1. Use Them for Shed Lights
If you have an outdoor shed or storage area that needs lighting, consider using your old solar panels for the shed lights. If you have enough panels, they will provide plenty of light for your shed or storage area and cost you nothing but a bit of time and effort.
2. Use Them as a Way to Charge Cell Phone Batteries
Another great way to reuse your old solar panels in New York is by using them as a way to charge cell phone batteries. The more sunlight you have available, the quicker your phone will be able to charge its battery — so if you live in a house or apartment that receives plenty of sunlight, this method might be handy for you.
3. Use Them to Charge Your Car
Last but not least, another best way to reuse your old solar panels is by using them to charge your car’s battery. The more sunlight you have available, the quicker your car will be able to charge its battery.
5 Typical Solar Panel Problems and How to Repair Them
Here are some common solar panel problems and how to repair them:
1. Connection Problems
Solar panels produce energy when they are exposed to sunlight. But if the connections between them and the rest of your system are loose or damaged, you will not get the total amount of power you are expecting.
To fix this problem, check the connections between your solar panels and other parts of your system. Look for signs of corrosion or wear on any electrical wires or connectors. If you find any damage, replace them with new ones as soon as possible.
2. Leaks and Moisture-Related Issues
Solar panels can be damaged by leaks and moisture-related issues. When water enters the junction box, it can cause corrosion and electrical shorts that cause the panel to fail. If you notice any leaking or moisture on the backside of your solar panels, call a professional immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done.
3. Ineffective Racking System
The racking system is the foundation of your solar panels. If it is not built correctly, your solar panels will not be able to function properly. The most common issue with a lousy racking system is that it will sag or lean over time due to poor installation or improper design. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the racking system with a new one.
4. Broken Glass
The most common problem with solar panels is that they crack or break. The glass covering on solar panels is pretty tough, but it can be damaged if it is dropped or mishandled. If you need to replace your solar panel glass, there are two ways you can do it. First, many companies sell replacement panels that include a new glass cover and all other components. Second, you can buy just the cover and install it yourself with some basic tools and a few hours. However, it is recommended to call a professional to ensure the proper replacement of glass.
5. Dirty Panels
If you have a lot of trees around your home or live in an area with heavy winds, then dirt buildup is likely a problem for you. This requires more than simple cleaning; you must ensure that your home and roof are sealed up tight against windblown dust and dirt. You will also want to look into using an electric leaf blower instead of a broom or brush when cleaning off leaves from your roof.
Recycling Old Solar Panels — How to Do It
When you are ready to take your broken solar panels off the roof, there are a few ways to recycle them. You can sell them back to the dealer or manufacturer you got them from or find a local solar installer who will buy them.
The easiest way is to call the company where you bought your solar panels and ask if they have a recycling program. The company may be able to pick up your old panels from your home, or they may send someone who will remove them from your roof and haul them away for you.
If there is no recycling program available through the manufacturer or installer in New York, you can look for other companies in your area that buy used solar equipment. Some cities have local nonprofits that accept used equipment from homeowners and businesses.
If you do not want to sell your broken solar panels, you can always try recycling them yourself at home or through an electronics recycling center near you. Most electronics recycling centers accept all electronic devices, including computers, televisions, and cell phones — so why not give yours a second life?
Here are four creative ideas for recycling your old solar panels:
1. Turn Them into a Garden Feature
If you have many old solar panels, you can use them as planters for indoor plants or outdoor succulents. You will want to ensure the glass on each panel is intact before using it as a planter — otherwise, it could crack when you water it or if someone bumps it. You can also make a unique trellis out of old solar panels by mounting them on a wall or fence. The panels can be painted, stained, or left as is for a rustic look.
2. Use Them as Decor Pieces in Your Home
Old solar panels make great decorative pieces in any house room — especially if they match the style of your furniture or decor. They also make great gifts because they can double as functional art pieces like mirrors.
3. Make a Lightbox
You can mount old solar panels on a wall or fence, then attach LED lights to the back of each panel so that they shine through the glass. This creates a unique lightbox that looks like stained glass.
4. Use Them as a Shelf
You can also use old solar panels as shelves by mounting them on a wall and placing objects on top. You could use this idea to create shelving in your garage or shed or in any room of your house where extra storage is needed, such as under stairs.
Ready to Repurpose Your Panels?
As you can see from this guide, reusing and repairing solar panels is not difficult and can help you save a small fortune in the long run. If you’re looking to fix your panels, make sure to hire a trustworthy, professional company that will do it for you, likely for a much lower cost than replacing them outright. If your home uses solar power, why not try to keep any old panels from being wasted in a landfill by repurposing or recycling them instead?
We can certainly help you with this.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us. Our team at SolarMedix.com has served the New York and New Jersey areas for nearly two decades, during which we have completed nearly 6,000 projects.
You can reach us at 732-785-4814 or book a consultation online.
