What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Solar Panel?

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Being able to reap the many rewards of a solar panel system for as long as possible, is an understandable desire for all home and business owners, particularly considering the size of the investment. But just how long can you expect a solar panel system to last?

Let’s take a look:

What is the average lifespan of a high quality solar panel?

Provided you’ve bought your solar panels from a reputable manufacturer, and had them professionally installed, you can expect them to last for at least 25 years, with some going on for up to 30 years.

When nearing the end of their lifespan, solar panels become less efficient, making them less able to help you meet the power needs of your household.

At what rate do solar panels degrade?

Solar panels slowly degrade over time, and as they do, their power output declines exponentially. But while all solar panels will degrade slowly over the course of several decades, there are a couple of factors that can impact how quickly they degrade, and ultimately, how long they last for:

Maintenance

Although they require minimal maintenance, and are able to handle most weather conditions, large amounts of snow on the panels or a large or heavy object striking them, such as a tree branch in a storm, can impact their performance. Rain usually washes them clean, but a build-up of dust or debris may mean that the panels need a clean from time to time.

Tier level

The best quality solar panels have a higher tier and as such, will last longer. Tier One solar panels tend to have the longest lifespan with a consistent output for a minimum of 25 years, while Tier Two panels can be expected to last for up to 25 years. Budget friendly solar panels within Tier Three usually last for between 15 and 20 years, and degrade at a much faster rate.

Is it possible to make solar panels last longer?

It is, and the best way to grant your panels a long and fruitful life, is by buying good quality ones. This means investing in Tier One or Tier Two solar panels, which will give you a much better performance over a longer period of time; protecting your investment.

When buying your high-quality panels, always check the manufacturers warranty, which should last for at least 20 years, and up to 25 years, giving you more confidence in your investment.

Proper installation can also go a long way to helping increase the lifespan of your solar panels, and attempting to install a solar system yourself, is the quickest way to jeopardize your investment. From not connecting it properly to the electrical system, to failing to place the panels in a position in which they’ll optimize sunlight exposure, there are many ways to put your investment at risk when not engaging with a professional installation company.

It’s also worth remembering, if considering the DIY approach, that manufacturers usually have very specific guidelines as to how their panels should be installed, and the majority of warranties will depend on this.

It’s safe to say that the average solar panel will last for a minimum of 20 years, and a maximum of 30 before needing to be replaced, but exactly how long they last, is very much dependent on the factors discussed above.