Used Solar Manufacturing Machines: Everything You Need To Know

The increased focus on renewable energy has turned solar panel production into a profitable line of business. The potential profits of starting a solar panel manufacturing business vary depending on factors such as location, market demand, competition, and cost of production.

The cost of production is heavily dependent on capital, raw materials, and equipment. The machinery or equipment used is in most cases, the biggest cost of establishing a solar panel production plant.

In other words, machines are very expensive. One way to get around the high initial costs of setting up a solar manufacturing line is to start with refurbished machines.

But how feasible is it to use refurbished machines? In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of purchasing refurbished machines. We look at the factors you need to consider and provide advice on what to look out for when buying refurbished equipment.

Types of Machines Used In Solar Panel Production

Starting a solar panel manufacturing business requires a wide range of machinery and the type of machinery depends on the type and scale of production. Some of the main machinery used in solar panel production include:

Stringer machine for photovoltaic cells
Layup station
Automatic station with conveyor belts for manual bussing or Automatic Bussing Machine
Electroluminescence Test
Laminator with buffers
Automatic framing machine
Automatic silicone dispenser
Eva and backsheet cutting machine
Solar simulator

All these machines perform specific functions in the production of a solar module. A laminating machine or laminator for example is used to seal the solar cells and protect them from various climatic impact factors.

A solar module consists of different components including solar cells, a glass cover, a frame, and a backsheet.

During the lamination process, the module is placed in the laminating machine and heated to a maximum of 135°C for approximately 22 minutes. The resulting laminate is completely sealed and, when produced well, will protect the solar cells for up to 25 years.

The cost of a laminating machine depends primarily on the level of automation and whether it is new or refurbished.

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45 Megawatt production line

What Are Refurbished Machines?

Refurbished machines are used machines that have been restored to good working condition. Used machines are machines that have been previously owned and have been brought back to a near-new state. A refurb may have been returned by a customer, or used for a short period before being sent back to the manufacturer.

Refurbishing involves repairing or replacing worn or damaged parts, cleaning and testing the machine to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications.

Pros Of Refurbished Machines

Refurbished machines are typically serviced and repaired to ensure they work properly before being sold. As they have been used before, refurbs have some inherent advantages and disadvantages you need to consider.

Lower Cost

The biggest advantage refurbished machines offer is that they offer significant cost savings compared to new machines while still providing reliable performance. Refurbished machines are sold at a significantly lower price than new machines, making them a great option if you are on a budget.

Starting a solar production line can cost as little as $100,000 or more than $1 million. It all depends on the size of the plant. The bigger it is the more it will cost.

Machines make up the biggest cost in solar manufacturing. Purchasing a refurbished machine can make a big impact in reducing capital investment and the time it takes to recoup your investment.

Environmentally Friendly Choice

By purchasing a refurbished machine, you are helping to reduce the amount of electronic waste created by the manufacturing process. This can be a great way to support sustainable practices and reduce your environmental impact.

Cons Of Refurbished Machines

While refurbs may be cheaper and more environmentally conscious, there are a few potential disadvantages that you should be aware of.

Limited Warranty

While most refurbished machines are covered by a warranty, the warranty may not be as comprehensive as those offered for new machines.

Many refurbished machines come with a limited warranty that only covers certain parts or components of the machine. It is important to understand the warranty details before purchasing so you know what is covered in the event of a breakdown. In addition, the warranty may cover a shorter period.

Limited Technical Support

Another potential drawback of purchasing a refurbished machine is the limited technical support available. Some manufacturers do not offer technical support for refurbished machines, so you may have difficulty getting help if something goes wrong. This can be especially true for older machines that may no longer be supported by the manufacturer.

Risk of Breakdowns

Refurbished machines have a higher risk of breakdowns compared to new machines. This is because they have been used before and may have been subject to wear and tear. Most refurbs, however are serviced and repaired before they are sold to counteract this.

Difficulties in Obtaining Spare Parts

In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain spare parts for refurbished machines. Many manufacturers do not carry parts for older machines, and it can be difficult to find compatible parts from other sources. This can make it difficult to repair or upgrade the machine if something goes wrong.

It is important to do your research and make sure the machine you are considering is compatible with parts that are readily available. You should also make sure the machine is covered by a warranty so you are protected in the event of a breakdown.

Conclusion

A refurb can be a great way to reduce the starting and running costs of a solar production line. Not all refurbs are the same, however. It’s important to do research into the machines you plan on purchasing to make sure they have a good warranty, technical support and that spare parts are easily available.

If you are looking into purchasing refurbished machines for your solar production line, contact us for help.

Our Cheap Used Solar Production Machines In Stock

At the moment we have some used solar production machines at stock for:

SOLD Stringing: Used 5 BB stringer (Brand: Solar Watt, Germany)
SOLD Stringing: New stringer up to 12 BB (Brand: J. v. G. technology, Germany)
Lamination: Used double laminator, 80 MW (Brand: Meier, Germany) - Price: 420,000 € exWorks
Lamination: Used laminator, 4 panels (Brand: Meier, Germany) - Price: 49,500 € exWorks
Flashing: New LED flasher (Brand: J. v. G. technology, Germany) - Price: 29,500 € exWorks