According to industry standards, a solar panel’s useful life expectancy is between 25-30 years. A solar panel will not die after 25-30 years, but their output will drop significantly below what was predicted by the manufacturer. Without knowing the expected lifespan of your rooftop solar panels, it is difficult to determine how much cost you will incur before going solar. While solar panels can offset your electricity consumption for many decades, it is important to be aware of industry projections as well as degradation rates.

How long can solar panels last? Solar panel lifespan explained.

According to industry standards, a solar panel’s useful life expectancy is between 25-30 years. A solar panel will not die after 25-30 years, but their output will drop significantly below what was predicted by the manufacturer. Without knowing the expected lifespan of your rooftop solar panels, it is difficult to determine how much cost you will incur before going solar. While solar panels can offset your electricity consumption for many decades, it is important to be aware of industry projections as well as degradation rates.

The key takeaways regarding the life expectancy of solar panels

• Solar panels usually last for 25 to 30 years
• Over their lifetime, panels very slowly degrade, meaning they may produce less and less electricity
• High-quality equipment makes a difference – visit the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide to compare panels side-by-side

How long can solar panels last?

Solar panels are expected to last between 25-30 years. This doesn’t mean they stop producing electricity after 25 years. It just means that their energy production has decreased by what manufacturers consider a substantial amount.

Solar panels can last for decades if they aren’t damaged by wind, debris, or other external factors. Solar panels aren’t made with moving parts. They rarely fail from the inside and are only damaged by external forces such as bad racking or severe weather.

Panel degradation rate is the key to making solar panels last.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL ) found that the average solar panel output fell by 0.8% each year in a 2012 study. This is known as the solar panel degrading rate. Premium panel brands like SunPower have degradation rates as low as 0.3%. As solar panel technology improves over time, solar panel degradation rates are steadily improving. Degradation rates below 1% are common in the industry. Since 2012’s study, newer technologies have been developed that are more efficient. Many panels with a lower energy output have a 0.5 per cent annual decline (or less). ).

What is the panel degradation rate? A panel’s degradation rate is the percentage of electricity produced by a panel. In the example above, 0.8% means that your panels will produce 99.2 per cent of the actual output in year 2. However, panels with a lower degradation rate (e.g. 0.5%) will produce approximately 87.5% more electricity than they did when they were installed. You can multiply the degradation rate by how many years you want to calculate the expected output of your panels. Then subtract 100%.

A few warranties are available for solar panels. These warranties can help you estimate how long your panel will last. Manufacturers offer an equipment warranty to cover manufacturing defects and a performance guarantee to ensure that your panels produce a certain amount. The performance warranty on solar panels, which is typically 25-years long, can help you get a better idea of how much electricity your system will produce over time.

Solar panels don’t have to leave a carbon footprint. A solar panel’s 25-30 year life expectancy is much longer than its energy return time, or EPBT. EPBT refers to the time taken by a solar panel to produce enough electricity to “pay back the energy used to make it.” Brookhaven National Laboratory’s 2010 analysis found that the EPBT for a solar panel was just six months. This number has fallen steadily over the past six years as panel manufacturing improves.

Are you able to prolong the life of your solar panels?

Solar panels are generally very durable. Solar panels can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds and snow loads. Many panels have been specifically tested for hail resistance. Solar energy systems are also free of moving parts and require minimal to no maintenance.

A reliable installer will ensure that your panels last a long time. You should also make sure to buy solar panels with strong warranties. Many panel manufacturers offer 10- to 12-year equipment warranties that cover environmental damage and defects and production warranties that last around 25 years. These warranties will guarantee that your panels will produce more energy than you can use.

However, solar panels can last longer if they are maintained properly. This can reduce their degradation rate and increase their performance. These are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your solar panels.

Your installer or service provider should inspect your panels regularly.

Your solar panels will last for a long time if you have them inspected by an operator or maintenance provider. Regular inspections can identify potential problems such as loose racking or exposed wires, and other issues. If you damage or scratch your panels, it is best to hire a professional to inspect them.

Inspection of solar panels can also include inspection of other equipment, such as roof racking and solar inverters. The average central inverter for a PV system will last between 10 to 15 years. It will therefore need to be replaced during its lifetime. Microinverters, an alternative to central inverters, are becoming more popular. They generally last 25 years and have the same lifespan as their solar panel counterparts. It is important to ensure that your panels are properly mounted on your roof to prevent them from moving around or falling off.

Make sure your panels are free from debris and other harmful materials.

Your installer will ensure that no trees or large branches are in the way of your solar panels when you install them. Your solar panels will produce energy for many more years if you avoid physical damage. This is in addition to the typical 25-30 year life expectancy of solar panels. Specialty products can be purchased to protect your panels from specific types of damage. Solar panel critter guards are a way to keep birds and squirrels from nesting under your panels. This can lead to wire and panel damage.

It’s easy to find a solar solution for your home.

Going solar is a good investment in the future of the earth. It can also help you save money on your monthly electricity bills. You can make sure your solar panel system lasts as long as possible by researching the best solar equipment manufacturers and finding a solar installer who offers the products you are looking for. To find the best combination of solar products, financing options, and an experienced installer for your home’s needs, compare the EnergySage Sunlight Marketplace. Our installers are certified and pre-vetted to ensure that you’re working with licensed professionals.