Solarpunk technology

Possibly of relevance to this instance... my dad's place is already in a situation where this would make senses. He did solar early, and has 235w panels. It was not quite sufficient to cover his demand, but close. Current panels of the same footprint are 400w. Replacing them would give him coverage of his needs, plus enough to charge an EV, which weren't really a thing when he installed the solar array. His array isn't even on a rooftop. It's on a canopy in the yard. He designed it thinking some time down the road he'd replace the panels and inverter if need/opportunity arose.

Unfortunately our electric utility changed their net metering and permitting rules, and he can't replace the panels and inverter. They'll only permit it as a new system, which would mean dramatically more expense than just panels and inverter. He'd get a markedly worse rate plan, and would need to install batteries as well.

Replacing them would be a financial no-brainer, and a quick job if not for the utility.

They continue to work, even if output is degraded. Newer planels installed in the same location overheated and their elements cracked, indicating inferior manufacturing quality, but the oldest batch is not showing this symptom.