How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Suppose you’re a homeowner who hates paying an electric bill every month and would love the idea of drawing clean energy for your residence. In that case, you might be considering having a solar panel installation put into place.

There are many factors involved in this decision. They can include anything from your geographic latitude and the direction your roof points to HOA bylaws, and how many annual hours of sunlight you get.

Then financial matters for balancing solar panel cost versus power generated, and then diving into payment plans and tax breaks.

One huge question involved in all of this is how long do solar panels last?

Key Takeaways

• Solar panels available in today’s market generally have a lifespan of approximately 25 to 30 years, with gradual efficiency degradation over time.
• Solar panel degradation typically occurs at a rate of around 0.5% to 0.8% per year, and after 25 years, they should still operate well above 80% capacity.
• It’s not necessary to replace solar panels after 25 years if they are still producing sufficient power and are in good condition, but other components like racking, inverters, and optional batteries may need replacement sooner. Regular maintenance, including inspections and cleaning, can help extend their lifespan.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Generally speaking, the solar panels available on today’s market should last you for approximately 25 up to 30 years.

Just keep in mind that they won’t automatically stop producing energy for you after that quarter-century is up. They don’t just curl up and die or stop working entirely.

Miraculous as solar panels might seem in producing free and clean energy, they’re like most other things in that they wear down over time, gradually losing efficiency.

If you’re curious about how long solar panels last because you want to make sure they offset their carbon footprint, you can relax. Most solar panels produce enough clean energy to offset their manufacturing costs to the environment within half a year.

In 25 years, you’ll offset that 50 times over, so they’ll offset quite a few other things besides themselves.

What Is Solar Panel Degradation?

Given that most things wear down over time, the process here is known specifically as solar panel degradation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory looked into hard numbers back in 2012 and found that the typical solar panel was losing around 0.8% of its capacity each year.

Fast forward a decade later, and better technology has come down to 0.5%, with some options being even lower.

After 25 years, your solar panels should still be operating well above 80% capacity and providing you with plenty of juice.

Should You Replace Your Solar Panels after 25 Years?

Even with lower efficiency, it doesn’t mean you should rip out the panels and replace them after 25 years. Physical trackers and apps can tell you how much solar power you’re generating, and if it’s still enough, maybe you should let things be.

If your needs are met, and none of the panels are broken, you can keep extracting power from them even after their warranty has likely run out.

On the other hand, if you aren’t getting enough power or have lots of broken panels, you might want to consider a replacement.

If you’re on the fence about a solar panel system that’s already 25 years old right now, keep in mind just how far solar technology has come in the last two decades when deciding about an upgrade or replacement.

Can You Make Solar Panels Last Longer?

Manufacturers of solar panels do serious testing to make sure their panels can handle hostile weather conditions, including high wind, heavy snow, and hail.

Another benefit to solar panels is how they don’t have many moving parts, if any, so there’s not much upkeep required. Still, they need some care and maintenance if you want them to last as long as possible. Here are three steps you can take:

Regularly Get Your Panels Checked

Much like you get regular dental checkups or roofing inspections to keep things you need working right, your solar panels should have a regular inspection.

These inspections can look for possible problems ranging from exposed wires to loose racking. An industry professional should do this because they know what they’re looking for, and they won’t inadvertently hurt anything while doing the actual inspection.

Keep Your Panels Clear of Debris and Other Damaging Materials

This is the biggest thing you can do on your own to keep things kosher up on your roof. Your installer will make sure from the start that your panels aren’t blocked by large trees or at risk of branches dropping on them.

However, trees will grow while your solar panels sit in the same spot. It’s up to you to keep them clear for receiving sunlight and free of any debris that might fall from trees.

Clean your solar panels using water whenever you notice they are dirty. In some climates, the wind will dust them off most of the time, and rain might even keep them clean for you. However, sand and dust left on the panels too long might result in scratches and microcracks. Snow can do the same, and even microcracks can eventually grow in numbers and start breaking panels.

Solar panel critter guards are useful in keeping small animals out of the way. Birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other small creatures might look adorable in your yard, but if they nest underneath the panels, the consequences can be damage to your wires and panels.

Regularly Monitor and Maintain Your Solar Panels

It’s up to you to keep them clean, but it’s also on you to keep up with scheduling the inspections, be they annual, biannual, or semiannual.

Fortunately, modern technology means you can keep up with your solar panel installation efficiency via a smartphone app if you want.

What Other Solar Panel System Components Might Need Replacing?

Even if the solar panels themselves don’t need replacement before 25 years, other parts of your solar panel system might.

Replacing The Racking

The racking that mounts your solar panels might be at higher risk of breaking than your actual panels do. If this happens, the consequences are not ideal.

Your solar panels would possibly lose position and efficiency. Worse yet, they can slip, shift, or fall in ways that risk physical damage to them and even your own home.

The racking system is often drilled into the roof of a home to physically hold panels, meaning it has direct exposure to the elements of nature, including temperature swings and precipitation.

Replacing the Inverter

No matter how efficient your panels are, if the inverter starts losing its capacity, you’re not getting the electricity the panels are trying to generate for you.

Inverter warranties might not be as long as the panels, so be open to getting the inverter replaced with something modern before 25 years pass.

Replacing Your Solar Battery

Solar batteries are often optional add-ons to solar systems that let you store any extra solar power you generate. This means you can generate power during the day for use at night or after you get home from work.

Solar batteries often have a warranty of only a decade, as their optimal performance starts lagging after this point. Like the inverter, consider a replacement long before the panels get swapped out.

What Are the Factors that Affect Solar Panel Degradation?

Several factors may affect solar panel degradation, including the quality and durability of the materials used in the panels, the amount of sunlight they receive, the temperature, and the climate. High temperatures can cause solar panels to degrade more quickly, while exposure to moisture or extreme weather conditions can also impact their performance. Additionally, the direction the panels face, the angle at which they are mounted, and the presence of shading from trees or other objects can affect their efficiency over time.

What Are the Steps to Take to Keep Solar Panels in Good Condition and Extend Their Lifespan?

To keep solar panels in good condition and extend their lifespan, it’s important to have them regularly checked by a professional, especially after extreme weather events. This can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. Additionally, keeping panels clear of debris and other damaging materials, such as bird droppings or fallen leaves, can help ensure they receive maximum sunlight and operate at peak efficiency. Finally, cleaning solar panels with water or a mild detergent can help remove dust and dirt that can accumulate over time and reduce their performance.

Case Study: Maximizing the Lifespan of Solar Panels

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, we strive to help homeowners achieve long-term energy independence with reliable and efficient solar power systems. This case study highlights how we extended the lifespan and maintained the performance of a residential solar panel installation through proactive maintenance and component upgrades.

Project Overview

A homeowner approached us with concerns about the longevity and efficiency of their existing solar panel system, which had been in place for over a decade. The goal was to ensure the system would continue to provide reliable energy for years to come.

Implementation

We began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing solar panel system, focusing on the condition of the panels and the supporting components such as the inverter, racking, and battery storage.

Components Assessed:

• Solar Panels: Checked for physical damage, microcracks, and overall performance degradation.
• Inverter: Evaluated its efficiency and reliability, given its shorter lifespan compared to the panels.
• Racking System: Inspected for signs of wear and tear due to exposure to the elements.
• Battery Storage: Assessed the condition and capacity of the optional battery storage unit.

Steps Taken:

1. Detailed Inspection: Conducted a thorough inspection using advanced diagnostic tools to identify any potential issues with the solar panels and other components.
2. Panel Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaned the panels to remove dust, debris, and other materials that could hinder their efficiency. Ensured the panels were free from obstructions such as tree branches.
3. Inverter Replacement: Replaced the outdated inverter with a more efficient and reliable model, enhancing the overall system performance.
4. Racking System Repair: Reinforced and repaired the racking system to ensure the panels remained securely in place and optimized for maximum sunlight exposure.
5. Battery Storage Upgrade: Upgraded the battery storage unit to a newer model with a longer lifespan and better capacity, providing reliable energy storage.

Results

The proactive maintenance and component upgrades resulted in a significant improvement in the system’s overall performance and longevity.

Performance Metrics:

• Increased Efficiency: The system’s efficiency improved by approximately 15%, resulting in higher energy production.
• Extended Lifespan: By addressing potential issues early and upgrading critical components, we extended the expected lifespan of the solar panel system well beyond the initial 25 years.
• Enhanced Reliability: The new inverter and upgraded battery storage ensured a more reliable and consistent energy supply, even during peak usage times.

Summary

This case study illustrates the importance of regular maintenance and timely upgrades in maximizing the lifespan and performance of a solar panel system. By taking a proactive approach, Solar Panels Network USA helped the homeowner achieve long-term energy efficiency and independence. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that our clients can rely on their solar power systems for decades to come.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About How Long Do Solar Panels Last

The longevity of solar panels is impressive. With proper maintenance, they can last well beyond their typical 25-year lifespan, continuing to produce significant amounts of electricity even after several decades.

Senior Solar Installer

Regular inspections and cleaning are key to ensuring your solar panels operate efficiently for many years. Simple maintenance steps can prevent issues and maximize their performance over time.

Lead Renewable Energy Consultant

Upgrading other system components, like inverters and batteries, is crucial as they often have shorter lifespans than the panels themselves. Keeping these parts updated ensures you get the most out of your solar energy system.

Solar Energy Technician

Experience Solar Excellence with Us!

Trust in Solar Panels Network USA, where our seasoned experts deliver top-quality solar solutions for homes and businesses nationwide. With a legacy of countless successful installations and a commitment to sustainable energy, we’re your reliable partner in the solar journey. Ready for a brighter, eco-friendly future? Call us now at (855) 427-0058 and harness the power of the sun!

Conclusion

The question that probably brought you here was how long do solar panels last? Many of them are warrantied for 25 years and should easily last that long with proper care.

However, even with degradation, you can probably still get better than 80% efficiency out of them even after a quarter of a century. Still, other components, like the racking, inverter, and optional batteries, might need replacement sooner than that.

If you want to simplify your life, schedule your roof replacement for the same time as your solar panel installation. Many tile roof options last about 25 years, too, so timing them together makes things much easier on you.