Are you thinking about investing in solar energy for your home? It’s a smart, sustainable choice (even though we’re a bit biased!). One of the most common questions that comes up when homeowners are looking into solar energy is, how long do solar panels last? Understanding the life expectancy of solar panels and how to maintain them properly is key, as it can help you maximize your investment and get the most out of your solar panel energy system. In this blog post, we’re diving into the lifespan of solar panels, what affects their longevity, and how to ensure they last as long as possible.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels are designed with longevity in mind, offering decades of reliable energy production. They are measured not by when they stop producing energy, but by their “useful life.” Most high-quality solar panels come with warranties that guarantee their performance for 25-30 years. This is their “useful life” span. After 25-30 years, the solar energy efficiency will likely decline enough that upgrading your system becomes the best option. This is also when many solar panel system warranties are up, making a new system the best option.
However, just because a solar panel reaches its 25-30 year mark doesn’t mean they’re completely useless. They can still continue to function well on a home’s roof beyond that timeframe. An older solar panel that isn’t producing at the rates it once did (enough to power an entire home) can still be useful for small applications with lower energy demands.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Solar Panels?
While solar panel efficiency degrades slightly year after year – typically around 0.5% to 1% annually – most systems can still generate 75%-85% of their original capacity after 25 years.
That’s pretty amazing when you think about it!
The life expectancy of a solar panel system depends on a few factors, such as:
- The handiwork and quality of your installer.
- The specific equipment you purchase.
- Degradation rates.
- Your maintenance routine.
- Weather conditions and environmental factors.
What Is A Solar Panel Degradation Rate?
You can project the amount of energy your solar panels will produce by calculating using the solar panel degradation rate. This rate measures how much energy output you can project your panels to produce in a given year of their “useful life.”
To estimate your system’s output, use this simple calculation:
Projected Output (%) = 100% – (Degradation Rate x Years in Use)
For example, if your panel has a 0.5% degradation rate, after 20 years, it will still be producing around 90% of its original capacity.
As solar panel technology continues to grow and improve, these degradation rates continue to decrease as modern systems become more efficient and long-lasting.
Choosing a high-quality solar panel with a solid warranty from a reputable manufacturer will ensure you get the most out of your investment.
How Do I Know When To Replace My Solar Panels?
When your solar panels start to decline in efficiency and are not producing enough energy to make financial or practical sense for you and your home’s energy needs, it’s time to replace them. Many companies provide monitoring apps to help you easily track your energy production and system’s performance. If you notice a significant and/or consistent drop in energy production, it might be time to look into upgrading your system to a newer, more efficient model. Blu Solar can help you with that!
Another reason you might want to replace your solar panels is if your warranty is up. There are equipment warranties and performance warranties, which are both key. When your warranty is up, your solar panel lifespan may be coming to an end. The length of these warranties can also help you predict when you might need to upgrade.
How To Maximize My Solar Panels Life Expectancy
Solar panels are meant to withstand the elements (wind, hail, rain, snow, etc,) and have a solid life expectancy, but there are some steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your system lasts as long as possible. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting for damage, can help extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance.
Choose a Reputable Solar Panel Installer
First, make sure to choose a reputable installer with a strong track record that you trust. These panels will be on your home for 2-3 decades, so it’s important to ensure they are installed right.
Monitor Your Energy Production
Monitor your energy production and usage regularly to ensure there’s no red flags that point to bigger issues. Solar panel energy systems come with a shut-off switch that can easily be tripped or shut off. (Anybody have curious kids around that like to pull big red levers?).
Keep Your Solar Panels Clean and Clear
Keep your solar panels clean by removing dirt, leaves, snow, and debris as needed with a broom. Wipe them off with water and a rag from time to time to ensure there’s not a film of dirt and grime on them. Just be careful not to step on them, as they can crack or break. Trim trees or branches to prevent shading and physical damage to your solar panels. You can also purchase critter guards to keep animals and birds away.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Scheduling regular inspections for your solar panels and system is also a good idea. This can help prevent big issues from occurring with your solar panel racking system, wiring, etc. It can also help determine if your inverter is working correctly.
What Is The Average Solar Panel Maintenance Cost?
As you can see, solar panels require minimal maintenance, but getting in a routine of monitoring energy production, cleaning your panels, and scheduling regular inspections can ensure they stay in tip-top shape and operate at maximum efficiency.
Cleaning and clearing debris and branches can be done yourself for little to no cost (just a bit of labor).
Scheduling regular maintenance inspections costs anywhere from $150-$300, which can save you even more in the long run if your technician can spot issues early and keep your system working optimally.
You’ll need to replace your solar panel batteries and inverter within the 25-30 year lifespan of your panels. Inverters typically last between 10-15 years and most solar batteries come with 10 year warranties.
Inverters typically run between $1,500-$3,000 while battery replacements are on average between $6,000-12,000.
Invest In Solar Energy Today!
Investing in solar energy is a long-term commitment to sustainability that benefits your home, community, and the planet as a whole. With high-quality solar panels, trusted service, and regular maintenance, they can last up to 30+ years, providing clean energy for decades.
Are you ready to invest in solar energy and get your panels installed? Visit our contact page to learn about the best options for your home and how we can help save you money and ensure a brighter, more sustainable future.
