Even the most advanced green technology won’t last forever. Like any home appliance, your solar panel system will need to be updated and replaced. A system from a reputable provider will last an average of 25 to 30 years, but with proper maintenance, it could have an even longer life.
Learn how you can increase the lifespan of your solar equipment with this comprehensive guide to solar panel longevity.
Key takeaways:
Most solar panels last between 20 and 40 years but begin to lose peak efficiency after 25 years.
Some solar system components will need to be swapped out sooner: Inverters should be replaced after 10 to 15 years; batteries should be replaced after about 10 years.
Climate, maintenance and panel and installation quality all factor into the lifespan of your solar panel system.
When shopping for solar panels, look for brands that offer at least a 25-year warranty.
What is the lifespan of solar panels?
Most solar panels last between 20 and 40 years but operate at their highest efficiency until years 25 to 30. After that age, your panels will still produce energy, but they’ll be less efficient and won’t produce as much as they once did.
The panels may last as long as 40 years, but some system components may need to be replaced sooner. The solar inverter, the device that converts direct current energy to alternating current energy, should be swapped out every 10 to 15 years, and solar batteries have an average lifespan of five to 15 years.
What is solar panel degradation rate?
As solar panels are exposed to environmental conditions, their efficiency and output will gradually decline. According to the NREL, the average degradation rate is 0.5%, but it can be anywhere between 0.3% and 0.8%, depending on the panel’s quality. Even though performance will decrease over time, you can still expect your solar panels to operate at up to 89% of their initial capacity — even after 20 years of use.
Which solar panel lasts the longest?
Quality solar panels should last 20 years or more, but some types may have a longer lifespan than others. The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF) has classified solar panels into three tiers. The BNEF doesn’t offer criteria for the second and third tiers, but Tier 1 panels must meet strict criteria to be classified as top tier.
Tier 1 panels generally have a better return on investment. To be classified as Tier 1, the panels must be made by manufacturers with at least five years of experience, stable finances, a reputation for quality products, and a good reputation in the solar energy community.
Because Tier 1 panels must meet such high criteria, they tend to last the longest and have a lower degradation rate than lower-quality panels. Whereas Tier 2 and Tier 3 panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% and 0.8%, respectively, Tier 1 panels are known to have degradation rates as low as 0.3%.
Factors that affect solar panel lifespans
Anna Hall, a representative of Blue Raven Solar, states that environmental conditions, manufacturing quality and maintenance all impact solar panel lifespans.
Climate
A comprehensive research review by Boise State University reviewed dozens of articles on solar panel degradation factors and discovered that environmental conditions were a major factor. Consistent exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, cold and weather events, can negatively affect the performance and durability of your system.
Maintenance
Grime, dirt, dust and debris can reduce solar panel efficiency, which can result in lower performance over time — a reduction of as much as 11.86% — according to the review by Boise State University. If you regularly clean and maintain your panels, they will have direct contact with sunlight and generate more energy as a result. Additionally, clean panels are less likely to get chipped or scratched by debris, increasing their overall lifespan.
Solar panel installation
If your solar panels aren’t installed properly or are wired incorrectly, they may degrade faster and have a shorter lifespan. But when a certified installer installs yours, they will be more likely to last their full lifespan.
Solar panel quality
Cheaper options may be friendlier to your wallet, but they don’t deliver the same long-term benefits as high-quality solar panels. The quality of the components and materials used during the manufacturing process is a big factor in the length of its life.
According to Hall, higher-quality panels, such as Tier 1 monocrystalline panels, often last longer. Investing in a higher-quality product increases your chances of getting years of optimal efficiency. When shopping, look for manufacturers who stand by the quality of their products by offering at least a 25-year warranty.
How can I make my solar panels last longer?
When it comes to saving money by using solar energy, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” comments Chris Stevenson, a longtime roofer. To get the most out of your solar system, you’ll want to invest in high-quality panels and maintain them regularly.
Invest in reliable equipment and installers
High-quality materials are less likely to crack and delaminate, or separate from each other, leading to damage and reduced performance. This is why investing in Tier 1 panels from a reputable manufacturer is worth it. You should also work with a certified installer who has a good reputation. Check online reviews and get an in-person quote before you commit to an installation.
Clean your panels
Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your solar panels dust- and debris-free. With nothing impeding their ability to access optimal sunlight, your system will operate at its highest efficiency.
Debris, such as tree branches, not only blocks parts of the panel from sunlight but can also damage the surface. Scratches and cracks can reduce performance and may hasten the need for replacement.
Schedule regular maintenance and servicing
Well-maintained solar panels last longer. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment operates at optimal capacity and helps you catch any problems, like environmental damage, early.
When should I replace my solar panels?
Although the most obvious indicator that you should replace your solar panels is decreased energy production (not caused by the weather), these are other signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Your solar panels no longer produce enough energy to cover your bills. If your solar system once covered your entire electric bill but no longer does so consistently, you may need to consider replacement. You can track the amount of energy your panels produce with a solar monitoring system to determine when you need new equipment.
- Your warranty is up. Most solar panel warranties last 25 years. If your panels break down after your warranty expires, the cost of repairs is on you. You can avoid this issue by completely replacing them at the end of your warranty.
- Your panels are 25 years or older. Although solar panels can last up to 40 years when maintained well, consider replacing an older system with newer, more efficient panels with a new warranty.
Bottom line
The average solar panel system lasts for 25 to 30 years, but with good, regular maintenance and quality panels, you could see another decade of energy production. Even so, this type of equipment does have an expiration date, so if you see unexpected dips in efficiency, it’s time to call your local solar installer to investigate.