KeepTheSun operates a European marketplace for buying and selling used photovoltaic panels and inverters, giving solar equipment a second life. The platform connects sellers with buyers directly, with no brokerage fees, and offers a dedicated service for companies revamping systems installed under Italy's Conto Energia incentive. A 10-year-old used panel can still retain 80% residual efficiency, making solar more affordable for new adopters.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Used photovoltaic panels and inverters from repowered, replaced, or decommissioned solar systems are often discarded, wasting functional equipment that could still generate clean energy. Owners of older systems, particularly those built under incentive schemes, lack a simple, transparent channel to sell their still-working components, while budget-conscious buyers have no easy way to source affordable solar hardware.
Solution
KeepTheSun provides a dedicated online marketplace where users can buy and sell used photovoltaic panels and inverters across Europe. Sellers can sign up for free, post listings with brand, model, quantity, and technical specifications, and connect directly with interested buyers. Buyers can search listings by power and quantity, contact sellers directly, and close deals privately without any brokerage fees. The platform also offers a specialized service for companies that built systems under Italy's Conto Energia incentive between 2005 and 2013, helping them navigate evolving regulations, connect with a network of potential buyers, and recover amounts paid to the GSE through the sale of their used panels.
Target Audience
Primary users are solar system owners looking to sell panels or inverters from repowering or replacement projects, and buyers seeking affordable used photovoltaic equipment for new or expanded installations.
Features
- Free listing creation for sellers with detailed specifications including brand, model, quantity, and power rating
- Searchable marketplace with filters for power output and quantity across both panels and inverters
- Direct buyer-seller communication with no brokerage fees or intermediary commissions
- Dedicated revamping service for Conto Energia system owners, providing regulatory updates and buyer network access
- Listings support both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels as well as single-phase and three-phase inverters
- Published ads include technical details, condition notes, pricing per watt or per piece, and location information