How long do solar panels last?

The durability of solar panels is an important factor when considering an investment in solar energy. In general, the lifespan of solar panels is long, but it is affected by several factors, such as the quality of the panels, installation, maintenance and environmental conditions. In this article, we discuss the durability of solar panels and the factors that affect it.

Lifetime of solar panels

Most solar panel manufacturers offer a 25-30 year warranty for their products. This means that the panels are designed to produce electricity for at least this time. The warranty usually covers the panels retaining a certain percentage of their original output, often around 80-90%.

Factors that affect the durability of solar panels

• Quality of the panels: High quality panels usually last longer and retain their efficiency better than cheaper alternatives.
• Installation: Professionally installed panels are less prone to damage and work optimally for longer.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of the panels and improve their performance.
• Environmental conditions: The location of the panels and their exposure to weather conditions such as snow, rain and wind can affect their durability.

Performance degradation of panels

The performance of solar panels deteriorates over time. This phenomenon is known as “degradation”. On average, the power of the panels decreases by about 0.5-1% per year. This means that after 25 years the panels will still produce around 75-87.5% of their original power.

Service and maintenance

Although solar panels are relatively maintenance-free, regular inspection and cleaning can extend their life and improve efficiency. It is recommended to check the panels at least once a year and remove any debris such as leaves and dirt that may block sunlight from entering the panels.

Summary

The durability of solar panels is long, and they can produce electricity efficiently for up to 25-30 years or longer. The quality, installation, maintenance and environmental conditions of the panels affect their service life. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help maintain the performance of the panels and extend their life.

For more information on the durability and maintenance of solar panels, you can read for example here or here.