If buying second hand is the most sustainable way to shop … what about second hand solar panels.

As the UK turns towards renewable energy generation to reach its net zero target by 2050, many people are looking at ways to run their homes on renewable energy. Due to this there has been an increase in the amount of people wanting to add solar panels to the roofs of their houses.

Although generating your own renewable energy will be cheaper in the long run, the prices of solar panels can be hefty. On average Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert has given an estimated total of roughly £6,500 for a solar panel system that generates 4.2 kilowatts at its peak.

During the cost-of-living crisis this price may not seem reasonable to many, as money will need to be used elsewhere and renewable energy will not be at the forefront of their priorities. However, there are other options.

There is now a market for second hand solar panels, at a much cheaper rate than buying new, unused panels. This means that you will be able to save money on the panels and once installed, you will be able to save money on your electricity bills.

…you have prevented the panel from becoming waste…

Not only are second hand solar panels cheaper, but they are also better for the environment. Buying second hand means that you have prevented the panel from becoming waste and ending up on landfill. If you were to buy new instead, the new panel will have been made from raw materials which will release greenhouse gases through its production process.

Opting for second hand solar panels, means that the emissions from producing a new product has been removed, and perfectly usable panels will be prevented from being discarded.

Head over to Going Green to read about sustainability, climate change and the environment