Friburg, Germany, October 1, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- Global solar and energy storage solutions provider Hoymiles stated that for the third consecutive year, the company has supported a solar panel upgrade and reuse event held in Freiburg, Germany, providing 300 micro-inverters for 300 plug-and-play photovoltaic (PV) systems. Over 500 citizens, as well as local organizations and public representatives, participated in this event, helping 600 second-hand solar panels to gain a "second life" in the form of home plug-and-play solar systems.
Give solar panels a second life
This event was initiated by German non-profit organizations BalkonSolar and e.V. Its aim is to demonstrate how solar devices that can still function normally after their first use can be repurposed in new scenarios.
During the event, participants assembled 300 sets of plug-and-play photovoltaic systems, each consisting of two second-hand photovoltaic panels, a micro-inverter, and the necessary cables. These 600 solar panels had previously been in use on the roof of a toothbrush factory in the Black Forest region for 13 years. According to data from BalkonSolar e.V, about 5% of the solar panels have defects, while most are still suitable for immediate continued use. The completed systems were then provided free of charge to the citizens who participated in the event, with financial support coming from Freiburg's “Solar Summer” project.
BalkonSolar The president of the association, Sebastian M, and ller stated: "Old solar panels don't need to be thrown away. After being removed from rooftops, they can be repurposed and easily and safely transformed into plug-and-play photovoltaic systems."
Supported the upgrade and reuse of solar energy for three consecutive years.
The event in Freiburg marks the third consecutive year that Hoymiles has supported Germany's solar panel upgrade and reuse projects. Since joining this initiative for the first time in 2024, Hoymiles has continuously provided micro-inverter technology to community-led projects.
Dr. Yang Bo, CEO of Hoymiles, stated: "We are proud to support this initiative for the third consecutive year and to see an increasing number of citizens participating in the effort to give second-hand solar panels a new life. Renewable energy not only means producing clean electricity but also using resources in a responsible manner."
From Solar Energy Innovation to Sustainable Action
Hoymiles indicates that its micro-inverters are suitable for upgrade and reuse scenarios, as each component can operate independently by tracking its own maximum power point. Even if the condition or orientation of the second-hand components varies, this helps to maintain system performance. By providing micro-inverters, Hoymiles provides a key component for converting old components previously used on rooftops into complete, safe, and plug-and-play solar systems.
The company stated that this initiative also reflects Hoymiles's broader commitment to sustainable development, as well as its vision of “Open Energy for All (energy for all),” which aims to make smart solar energy more inclusive, practical, and easily accessible.
BalkonSolar Verein is a registered non-profit organization with its headquarters in Freiburg. Its members mainly come from German-speaking regions and are composed of individuals who are enthusiastic about plug-and-play photovoltaic systems. Currently, it has over 300 members.
