How Long Do Solar Panels Last? A Guide to Solar Panel Longevity
When you purchase solar panels, you’re making an investment into the future of your home or business. The return on that investment goes up the longer your solar system works, so it’s important to know — how long can you expect your panels to last?
The good news: Solar panels last for decades, running at a high efficiency and bringing long-term energy savings. But exactly how long should you expect them to maintain their usefulness, and what can you do to keep them healthy for their entire lifespan?
Let’s explore more about how panels age and the steps you can take to get the most out of your investment.
The Lifespan of a Solar Panel
The lifespan of a solar panel system is typically 30 to 35 years. The average amount of time to recoup the cost of a solar panel system is five to 10 years, which means many consumers will get 25 to 30 years of free electricity from their panels.
Most solar panel equipment has up to a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer that covers the panels in case they malfunction. Some individual components, like inverters, have warranties of half that length and may need to be replaced during the solar array’s lifespan.
Solar systems can last for longer than 30-35 years, but their lifespan depends on how efficiently they continue to produce electricity. If your panels’ efficiency is falling rapidly, and they are not able to generate enough energy to cover your electricity needs, it’s time to replace your panels.
Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency Over Time?
Solar panels do degrade over time, but their loss of efficiency each year is minimal for many years — generally well below 1% per year.
A large-scale National Renewable Energy Laboratory study of commercial and industrial panels found the median solar system loses about 0.75% of its power-producing ability per year. Environment can also play a role in degradation. Studies have found that panels lose performance ability at a higher rate in hotter climates than in cooler climates.
Many high-quality solar panels are more efficient, losing closer to 0.5% — or even less — per year. Some solar warranties also will replace panels if they fall below a certain level of efficiency within the first several years.
At 1 Source Solar, our standard is to only offer panels that lose 0.5% or less in efficiency per year. The panels that we use come with production warranties lasting 25 to 30 years, guaranteeing the modules won’t go below 85 to 90% of the efficiency they had on day one during that time period.
Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels
Solar panels require very little maintenance, but there are still a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. Some of those ways include:
- Working with a quality solar installation company. Setting your system up correctly from the beginning is a key to longevity. Solar installers know how to choose the best equipment for your situation, find the right placement for your panels, and install them correctly at your home or business.
- Routinely inspecting your solar system. Monitoring your system for reduced efficiency or irregularities will help you notice problems when they arise. Solar installation companies can also come and inspect your system on a regular basis, such as yearly, to ensure it’s in proper working order.
- Cleaning your solar panels when necessary. You won’t need to clean your panels often, but dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on them over time. For more information on solar panel upkeep, read our guide on how to clean and maintain your solar panels.
What Makes a High-Quality Solar Panel?
One of the main keys to solar panel longevity is choosing a quality panel. At 1 Source Solar, we work with each of our clients to select the ideal solar panels for their needs. We only use Tier 1 solar panels, meaning that the companies that manufacture them are recognized as having a high standard of quality.
While a solar panel coming from a “Tier 1” company doesn’t by itself guarantee efficiency, it’s a sign of trust, and we vet each of the products we use to ensure they have strong components that set you up for success.
Factors we look for in a high-quality panel include:
- Strong product ratings.
- High solar panel efficiency.
- Durable product components.
- Industry-leading warranties.
- Overall value and fit for your budget.
- The solar panel company’s financial strength.
Work With the Solar Panel Experts at 1 Source Solar
If you’re ready to find the solar panel system that’s just right for you, reach out to our team. We’ll work with you to conduct a preliminary analysis and show you how much you could save over the entire lifespan of your solar panels.
If you have existing solar panels, we’re also available for ongoing support and maintenance. Want to learn more? Contact 1 Source Solar today.