The Average Lifespan of Solar Panels

Solar panels are considered lifetime investment. Although they are very expensive and people feel reluctant to go green due to heavy initial investment. But, do you know that this investment is worthwhile because solar panels last for 25-30 years. Yes, solar panels last such a long time. And the most fantastic thing is that after these years they have not stopped producing energy, they generate electricity even after this time but their production rate has decreased. It has been estimated that people do not even retire their solar panels after 25-30 years, and they work perfectly fine. Then, when to retire solar panels? Let’s discuss all queries about the solar panel life cycle in detail.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Solar panels keep performing from years over years but the active lifespan for solar panels is considered somewhere between 25-30 years. Because the capacity of solar panels to absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical power has been higher these years. As time passes, this capacity for generating power decreases. This reduction in the power of panels depends upon the various factors, such as

Improper Cleaning
Poor Installation
Low maintenance
Quality of Solar Panels
Environment

Improper Cleaning

Solar panels are exposed to various pollens, bird’s nest droppings, dust, and falling leaves from nearby trees. If you do not clean your solar panels regularly, it can affect the panels’ efficiency to absorb the maximum light and produce less energy.

Poor Installation

Improper installation with poor quality equipment can lead to bad performance of the solar panels and decrease the lifespan. So, always choose quality materials from reputable manufacturers and go for installers who can withstand their work and fix any changes without extra Cost. To select an expert installer, you must do your research and proper homework, then get a quote from them. Compare their services and choose the one with the highest quality installation services.

Low maintenance

Solar panels require regular maintenance. Low maintenance or no monitoring causes the panels to lose efficiency and lifespan. Regular maintenance of your panels can help you to enhance the lifespan of the solar system..

Quality of Solar Panels

Solar panel quality is another critical factor that may decrease solar panel efficiency. Lower-quality panel performance is also lower. Various manufacturers of solar panels are working in the US market. Some are well-known for their expertise and quality. Their panel Cost is higher than others who are new in the market. We recommend choosing reputable manufacturers for solar panels because it is a lifetime investment, so do not prefer some pennies over quality.

Environment

The environment or the weather in which you live and install solar panels significantly impacts the lifespan of PV panels. The hot temperature destroys the panel’s efficiency faster than the recommended period. The hotter the temperature of your region, the more chances are there to reduce the lifespan of solar panels. Similarly, hailing, storms, and continuous rain adversely affect the solar panel’s lifespan and working efficiency. Although many brands claim that they make weather-resistant solar panels, there are still minute chances that your panels will be affected by extreme weather conditions, lose their efficiency, and decrease their lifespan.

Regular Cleaning

Solar panels are the favorite palaces in which the pigeons make their nest. Yes, you read it right. Birds live in panel surroundings and lay eggs. Their droppings can cover the panels. Further, panels are open to accumulate dust from the atmosphere. Bird droppings, dust, and pollen layers from the atmosphere decrease the efficiency of solar panels. You can cope with this issue by regularly cleaning the panels, which may lead to a longer life span for your solar system.

Annual Inspection

Annual inspections by solar experts help detect issues early, allowing you to make informed decisions about when to repair panels.

Efficiency Monitoring

Regular monitoring of panels’ working efficiency also helps reduce the degradation rate. Many mobile-integrated apps are now available, allowing you to determine your panels’ efficiency from the comfort of your room without moving to the panel place. If you find any decrease in efficiency, you can further detect why the panels are working lower than usual and take preventive measures to reduce the degradation rate and enhance the lifespan of solar panels.

Practical Tips to Enhance Solar Panels Life Expectancy

There are some practical tips to make your panels last longer.

Always opt for a high-quality solar panel.
Choose reliable installers for quality installation.
Always purchase suitable components such as inverters and batteries.
After installation, monitor your panel regularly. You can also integrate different apps with your panels and receive notifications on your phone.
Clean your panels periodically.
Expert annual inspection should be done once in a year.
Always pay attention to the warranty for the average life of solar panel given by the manufacturers and buy solar panels with a good warranty of years.

When to Change My Solar Panels?

As we told you earlier, even after completing their active lifespan, solar panels still produce solar energy. So, when is the right time to replace them? When you feel your solar panels are not making enough energy to meet your daily needs, it’s the right time to replace the solar system. However, if there is a slight decrease in efficiency due to any defect, we advise you to repair the panels instead of replacing them.

Our Final Words

Solar panels can last for 25-30 years. The lifespan depends upon various factors such as quality of solar panels, manufacturers selection, climate, weather conditions and installing company expertise. If you want to enhance the quality of your solar panels then you should decrease its degradation rate by following some tips such as regular cleaning of panels, annual inspection and purchasing quality panels from good manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the efficiency of solar panels after 20 years?

The active lifespan of solar panels is 25-30 years. However, the panels’ efficiency decreases by 0.5 percent after 20 years, so the efficiency will be 90 percent, which is considered a reasonable rate of energy production.

How many years does the solar system last?

The solar system lasts about 25-30 years. Some manufacturers claim they have developed solar panels with a longer lifespan using the latest technology.

Do solar panels lose efficiency with age?

Yes, solar panels lose efficiency with age, known as the degradation rate. The degradation rate is 0.5 percent per year.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?: The Average Lifespan of Solar Panels