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When you're considering a switch to solar energy, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to invest in brand new solar panels or explore the more economical "tokunbo" (pre-owned) options. This choice isn't just about upfront costs—it involves considerations about long-term performance, reliability, and overall value.
The Growing Solar Market in Africa
Africa's solar market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by decreasing costs, increasing electricity demands, and a continental push toward renewable energy solutions. With abundant sunshine across most regions, solar energy presents a particularly attractive option for both grid-tied and off-grid applications. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Senegal, and South Africa, we're seeing rapid adoption of solar technologies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
This expanding market has created room for both premium new products and more affordable pre-owned options, giving consumers across different economic brackets access to solar technology.
Understanding Tokunbo and New Panel Terminology
Before diving deeper, let's clarify what we mean by these terms. "Tokunbo" is a Nigerian term that refers to imported pre-owned goods, which has gained wider usage across Africa in the solar industry. These are typically solar panels that have been previously used in Europe, America, or Asia and are now being resold in African markets.
New panels, as the name suggests, come directly from manufacturers and have never been installed or used before. They typically carry full manufacturer warranties and represent the latest available technology in the market.
Both options have their place in the market, serving different needs and budgets—but understanding their distinct advantages and limitations is crucial for making an informed decision.
Quality Assessment of Solar Panels
Manufacturing Standards for New Panels
New solar panels from reputable manufacturers like Jinko and Trina undergo rigorous quality control processes before reaching the market. These manufacturers adhere to international standards such as IEC 61215 (design qualification and type approval) and IEC 61730 (safety qualification), ensuring their products meet specific performance and safety criteria.
Premium manufacturers typically test their panels for:
Power output consistency
Heat and humidity resistance
Mechanical load capabilities
Potential-induced degradation (PID) resistance
Salt mist corrosion resistance;
These standardized testing procedures provide consumers with confidence that new panels will perform as specified under various environmental conditions.
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Quality Considerations for Tokunbo Panels
Assessing the quality of tokunbo panels presents unique challenges. While they may have been manufactured to the same standards as new panels, their previous usage and handling introduce variables that can affect their current condition and future performance.
When evaluating tokunbo panels, consider:
Visual inspection for physical damage, discoloration, or delamination
Age of the panels and their remaining useful life
History of use, including previous installation location and climate exposure
Original manufacturer and model specifications
Testing and Verification Methods
For tokunbo panels, verification becomes especially important. I recommend employing these testing methods before purchase:
A multimeter test can verify the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) of the panel. These readings should be compared to the panel's original specifications, accounting for some degradation based on age. Ideally, the readings should be at least 85-90% of the original specifications for panels less than 10 years old.
More comprehensive testing using an I-V curve tracer can provide detailed information about a panel's actual power output and identify any internal issues not visible to the naked eye. This equipment might be available through solar installation companies or renewable energy assessment centers.
Performance Comparison
Efficiency Ratings Explained
Solar panel efficiency represents how effectively a panel converts sunlight into electricity. New panels from top manufacturers like Jinko and Trina typically offer efficiency ratings between 19-22% for their premium models, with standard models ranging from 16-19%.
Tokunbo panels, depending on their age and original quality, might have started with efficiency ratings of 14-17% when new (for older models). After years of use, these efficiency levels can decline further.
It's important to understand that efficiency isn't everything—a slightly less efficient panel that's significantly cheaper might still provide better value in terms of cost per watt. However, if space is limited, higher efficiency panels allow you to generate more power from the same roof area.
Degradation Rates: New vs Tokunbo
All solar panels degrade over time, meaning their power output gradually decreases year after year. Premium new panels from manufacturers like Jinko and Trina typically guarantee no more than 0.55-0.7% degradation per year, ensuring at least 80-85% of their original output after 25 years.
With tokunbo panels, you're getting products that have already undergone some of this degradation. While the previous rate of degradation may continue, there's also the possibility of accelerated degradation depending on:
How the panels were handled during removal and transport
Whether they experienced extreme weather conditions in their previous installation
The quality of their original manufacturing
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Real-world Performance Case Studies
A 2023 field study conducted in Lagos compared the performance of 5-year-old tokunbo Jinko panels with new panels of similar specifications. The tokunbo system demonstrated power output approximately 7-10% lower than the new system under identical conditions. However, when adjusted for cost (the tokunbo system was 40% cheaper), the pre-owned option actually provided more watts per dollar invested.
Another notable case from a commercial installation in Nairobi showed that proper selection of quality tokunbo panels (in this case, former Trina installations from Spain) delivered 92% of the performance of new panels at 60% of the cost.
These real-world examples highlight that while performance differences exist, they must be evaluated alongside cost considerations to determine true value.
Premium Brands Overview
Jinko Solar: Market Position and Offerings
Jinko Solar has established itself as one of the world's leading solar panel manufacturers, known for balancing quality with competitive pricing. Their panels are widely available both as new products and in the tokunbo market.
New Jinko panels offer:
Efficiency ratings up to 22.3% in their Tiger Neo series
25-30 year performance warranties
Advanced technologies like n-type TOPCon cells in newer models
Excellent temperature coefficient (how well panels perform in hot conditions)
In the tokunbo market, you'll commonly find older Jinko Eagle and Cheetah series. These remain solid performers but lack some of the technological advancements of newer models.
Trina Solar: Reliability and Innovation
Trina Solar has built a reputation for exceptional reliability and consistently ranks among the top performers in independent durability tests. They're often considered slightly more premium than Jinko in many markets.
New Trina panels feature:
Vertex series with efficiency ratings up to 21.6%
Excellent PID resistance and humidity performance
Comprehensive 25-30 year warranties
Strong performance in high-temperature environments
Tokunbo Trina panels (particularly the Honey and Tallmax series) are highly sought after in the second-hand market due to their known durability and consistent performance even after years of use.
Africell Solar Solutions
Though less widely known than global giants like Jinko and Trina, Africell has been making significant inroads in various African markets by offering solar solutions specifically designed for African conditions. They provide:
Panels with enhanced dust resistance for rural applications
Options specifically engineered for higher-temperature environments
More accessible local service and support networks
Competitive warranty terms for the African market
While Africell panels are less common in the tokunbo market (being a newer player), their new panels offer an interesting middle-ground option between premium international brands and tokunbo alternatives.
Dealing with Counterfeit Products
A critical concern in both new and tokunbo markets is the prevalence of counterfeit products. These fake panels—often claiming to be from premium manufacturers like Jinko or Trina—can look remarkably similar to genuine products but offer drastically inferior performance and safety.
To protect yourself:
Purchase only from authorized dealers when buying new
Request documentation of origin for tokunbo panels
Check serial numbers with manufacturers when possible
Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true
Examine manufacturing details like logos, cell patterns, and junction boxes, which are often poorly replicated in counterfeits
Carefully inspect and analyze stickers to know if the pieces of information embedded are correct
Cost Analysis
Initial Investment Comparison
The price difference between new and tokunbo panels represents one of the most significant factors in this decision. Based on current market conditions:
New premium panels from manufacturers like Jinko and Trina typically cost between #75,000 - #150,000 per unit, depending on the specific model, capacity and technology. For a standard 6kW residential system, this translates to approximately #1,000,000 - #1,500,000 for the panels alone (not including inverters, mounting hardware, and installation costs).
Tokunbo panels commonly sell for #35,000 - #50,000 per watt, representing a 40-60% cost reduction. This means the same 6kW system might cost just #400,000 - #700,000 for the panels—a substantial saving that could make solar accessible to many more households.
Long-term Value Assessment
While the initial price difference is compelling, long-term value requires a more nuanced analysis. Consider these factors:
Power production over time: New panels will likely produce more total electricity over 25+ years
Space utilization: If roof space is limited, higher-efficiency new panels might generate more power from the available area
System longevity: A new system might operate effectively for 25-30 years, while a tokunbo system might need replacement sooner
Using Net Present Value (NPV) calculations, many installations show that despite lower lifetime production, tokunbo panels often provide better financial returns due to their significantly lower upfront costs. This advantage is particularly pronounced in regions with modest electricity rates, although personally I'm yet to come to terms with this judging from my on-field experience.
Warranty and Insurance Considerations
The warranty difference represents one of the clearest distinctions between these options:
New panels typically come with:
10-12 year product warranties covering manufacturing defects
25-30 year performance warranties guaranteeing specific power output levels
The security of dealing with established companies should issues arise
Tokunbo panels generally offer:
Limited or no manufacturer warranties (as these are usually non-transferable)
Possible short-term warranties (3-6 months) from some reputable dealers
Greater reliance on thorough pre-purchase inspection
Additionally, some insurance providers offer more favorable terms for systems using new, certified components. This difference in insurability should factor into your overall cost assessment.
Installation and Maintenance
Professional Installation Requirements
Both new and tokunbo panels require professional installation for safety and optimal performance. However, installation considerations differ somewhat between the two:
For new panels:
Standard mounting hardware is readily available
Installation processes follow manufacturer guidelines
Sizing and electrical specifications are uniform and predictable
For tokunbo panels:
May require custom mounting solutions if dealing with older or uncommon models
Might present electrical integration challenges with modern inverters
Often require more thorough pre-installation testing
Professional installers typically charge similar labor rates regardless of panel type, though some may increase rates for tokunbo installations due to the additional complexities involved.
Maintenance Schedule Differences
All solar systems require maintenance, but the frequency and nature of maintenance can differ:
New panels typically need:
Annual cleaning (more frequent in dusty regions)
Inspection every 2-3 years
Minimal proactive component replacement
Tokunbo systems often benefit from:
More frequent visual inspections (semi-annual recommended)
Earlier replacement of supporting components like junction boxes and cables
More regular performance monitoring to catch degradation issues
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
When problems arise, the nature of common issues also differs between systems:
New panels most commonly experience:
Manufacturer defects (usually apparent in the first year)
Weather-related damage
Inverter issues rather than panel failures
Tokunbo panels more frequently encounter:
Accelerated degradation
Connection failures at junction boxes
Delamination and moisture ingress
Hot spots developing from microcracks
Having a relationship with a knowledgeable solar technician becomes particularly valuable with tokunbo systems, as troubleshooting often requires more experience and creativity.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Preventing Fire Hazards (Flames)
Safety should never be compromised, regardless of your panel choice. However, fire risk factors differ somewhat between options:
New panels meet current safety standards and undergo regular testing for fire resistance. Modern panels include technologies specifically designed to prevent common causes of solar-related fires, such as:
Advanced junction boxes with better heat dissipation
Improved bypass diodes to prevent overheating from partial shading
Materials tested for flame-retardant properties
With tokunbo panels, additional precautions may be necessary:
More thorough inspection of junction boxes and wiring before installation
Potential replacement of original junction boxes with newer, safer models
Installation of additional protective equipment like rapid shutdown devices
Regardless of your choice, proper installation that complies with local electrical codes remains the most important fire prevention measure.
End-of-Life Management and Recycling
The environmental impact of solar panels extends beyond their active service life:
Choosing tokunbo panels effectively extends the life of existing solar products, keeping them out of waste streams for additional years. This represents a significant environmental benefit through resource conservation.
However, eventually all panels reach end-of-life. Current recycling capabilities can recover:
Up to 95% of semiconductor materials
Nearly 100% of glass and aluminum components
Various other valuable materials
When purchasing either option, inquire about end-of-life management programs. Some manufacturers and distributors now offer take-back programs that ensure responsible recycling when panels eventually need replacement.
Making the Right Decision
Decision Framework for Different User Profiles
Your specific circumstances heavily influence which option provides the best value for you:
For homeowners with limited budgets who want to maximize immediate savings:
Tokunbo panels from reputable sources offer the most affordable entry point
Focus on panels under 10 years old from premium manufacturers
Consider hybrid systems with some tokunbo and some new panels
For professionals and businesses requiring predictable long-term performance:
New panels typically offer better reliability and documentation
The warranty protection becomes more valuable for commercial applications
Performance guarantees may be required for financing or regulatory compliance
For renewable energy enthusiasts with technical knowledge:
Tokunbo panels present an opportunity to create larger systems at lower costs
The ability to test and potentially refurbish panels can yield excellent value
Mixing and matching carefully selected components can optimize price/performance
Resources for Further Research
Before making your final decision, consider consulting these additional resources:
Local solar installer assessments specific to your region
Online forums where other solar users share experiences with specific brands
Industry publications that test and review both new and used solar equipment
Government or utility resources that might offer incentives for either option
Taking time for thorough research will yield significant returns over the decades-long lifespan of your solar investment.
Conclusion
The choice between tokunbo and new solar panels isn't simply about picking the "best" option—it's about identifying the solution that best aligns with your specific needs, budget, and risk tolerance.
New panels from manufacturers like Jinko, Africell and Trina offer peace of mind through warranties, predictable performance, and the latest technologies. They represent the premium option with fewer uncertainties but at a significantly higher price point.
Tokunbo panels provide a compelling value proposition, delivering substantial savings while still offering years of clean energy production. With proper selection and installation, they can provide excellent returns, particularly for cost-sensitive applications or those looking to maximize system size on limited budgets.
Whichever route you choose, working with reputable suppliers and qualified installers remains essential. The growth of solar across Africa continues to create opportunities for both new and tokunbo markets to thrive, giving consumers more options than ever to harness the abundant solar resources of the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much money can I actually save by choosing tokunbo panels instead of new ones?
On average, tokunbo panels cost 40-60% less than new panels of similar wattage. For a typical 5kW residential system, this could translate to savings of $800-1,500 on panel costs alone. However, total savings should be calculated based on expected lifespan and performance differences.
2. Are there specific brands of tokunbo panels that perform better than others in the long run?
Yes, premium brands like Jinko, Trina, and SunPower tend to maintain better performance in the tokunbo market due to their initial build quality. Panels from these manufacturers often demonstrate slower degradation rates and better durability than budget brands, making them particularly good candidates as tokunbo purchases.
3. How can I verify if a "Jinko" or "Trina" panel is genuine and not counterfeit?
Authentic panels have serial numbers that can be verified with manufacturers, consistent coloring and cell patterns, properly aligned and clear logos, and quality junction boxes with manufacturer branding. Photographs of these details can sometimes be verified by manufacturer representatives, and significant price discounts from new panels (beyond the expected tokunbo discount) should raise red flags.
4. Will installing tokunbo panels affect my ability to get insurance for my solar system?
Some insurance providers do charge higher premiums or offer less favorable terms for systems using second-hand components. It's advisable to consult with your insurance provider before installation. In some cases, having the system installed and certified by a licensed electrician can help secure better insurance terms regardless of panel type.
5. Can I start with tokunbo panels now and upgrade to new panels later while keeping the same installation infrastructure?
In many cases, yes. The mounting hardware, inverters, and wiring can often accommodate different panels in the future. However, it's important to design the initial system with potential future upgrades in mind, particularly regarding inverter sizing and electrical configuration. Discuss this specifically with your installer if you anticipate upgrading in the future. Last edited 2 hours ago