In today’s fast-paced world, new technologies like solar panels are constantly improving. Although these panels were first invented more than a century ago, they have started gaining traction now. The reason for this popularity is the rise in electricity prices and the efficiency of the solar systems.
Official data shows that British companies are paying the highest electricity prices compared to the entire developed world. In just five years, the cost of electricity for businesses has risen 124%. However, as many businesses and homeowners turn to solar energy, a common question arises: “What is the typical lifespan of solar panels?”
The answer to this question is a key factor in assessing the cost savings to decide whether a business or a homeowner should invest in this renewable energy.
In this article, we answer this question. Furthermore, we delve into the factors that influence the longevity of solar panels and give tips on how to maximize their performance over the years.
1. Understanding Solar Panel Lifespan
Solar panels, especially the ones from high-quality manufacturers, are quite durable. They are designed to withstand various environmental conditions. However, just like any technology, the panels also have a finite lifespan.
But what is the lifespan?
The panel’s lifespan is not like an expiration date. It is an estimated number of years after which the panel’s performance starts lowering. No matter how much you invest in professional maintenance or follow a strict cleaning schedule, the panels will age and deteriorate.
When they start deteriorating, the lowering efficiency is the major indicator. But the degradation doesn’t happen overnight. The production efficiency will gradually start declining, giving you a sign to get ready to replace solar panels.
So, the lifespan of a solar panel is measured in terms of its ability to generate electricity over time. However, the degradation rate and thus the expectancy will depend on several factors which we will discuss in this article as well.
2. Average Lifespan of Solar Panels
On average, you can expect solar panels to last between 25 to 30 years. However, this figure is quite misleading too. The lifespan mainly depends on the type of solar panels you choose. Then come other secondary factors that can shorten or extend the lifespan to the higher end of the estimate.
Types of Solar Panels and their Lifespan
There are two types of panels: monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline solar panels. The visible difference between the two is the hue. While polycrystalline material gives a bluish, grainy hue, monocrystalline panels are sleek black.
But that’s just the visible difference. The use of multiple silicon crystals makes polycrystalline panels less expensive, but less efficient too. The efficiency of these panels lies between 13-16%.
Plus, they have a shorter lifespan compared to the other types. But they still last 25-35 years with proper maintenance. The reason for a shorter lifespan is that the multiple crystals mean more potential failure points.
Monocrystalline panels, as the name suggests are made from a single crystal structure. These high-quality solar panels boast a 40-year lifespan. However, because these panels are expensive to produce, they are sold at a higher price than polycrystalline.
3. Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Solar Panels
We’ve discussed how picking quality materials is the major contributor to the expected lifespan. However, there are several secondary factors that can also shorten or elongate the life of the panels. Several factors can influence the lifespan of solar panels:
Solar Panel Installation Quality
Professional solar panel installers like Samso Solar ensure that the installation is done properly. The incline is just right for the best angle of incidence and the panels are sealed properly so no water can leak into the system.
Environmental Factors
While this is something beyond anyone’s control, extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms and hurricanes can impact the longevity of the panels. Plus, if a place gets scorching sunlight, the overheated panels can also degrade quicker than otherwise.
Maintenance
Keeping panels clean can allow panels to perform optimally. However, not following maintenance tips and ignoring the best practices mean a faster panel degradation rate.
4. How Solar Panel Efficiency Changes Over Time
Solar panels gradually lose the ability to produce solar energy over time just like all technological devices. The rate at which solar panels degrade is typically around 0.5–0.8% per year. per year.
While this may seem insignificant, it can accumulate over time, reducing the overall energy output of the solar panel system.
The solar panel degradation curve is 2-3% in the first year because of light-induced degradation. The decline rate is steady and under 1% in the next decade or more.
How to track the efficiency?
The efficiency changes need to be tracked either manually or using software. If you’re tracking it manually, a trick is to consider the number of high-wattage appliances the solar panel can power when the day is peaking.
Over time, you will see that the number of these appliances that solar power can support goes down. Because this process is slow, people who are not keeping track might not feel the system’s degradation.
Opting for software is your best bet if you wish to keep track of your solar panel’s performance. This software can also help detect anomalies in performance which might indicate panel damage.
If this damage is not identified and resolved quickly, it will also affect the efficiency of other panels in the system because they increase electrical resistance. They are also prone to overheating and hotspots that can lead to fire and damage the wiring and in some cases, the entire system.
5. Maintenance and Care to Extend Solar Panel Lifespan
Because solar panels are exposed to the elements, maintenance, and care are necessary to extend their lifespan. Here are some tips that are necessary to incorporate in a solar panel maintenance routine:
- Regular Cleaning: Remove dirt, debris, and bird droppings from the panels to ensure optimal sunlight absorption. Use a soft brush and a gentle hose to clean off these foreign elements.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the panels for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose connections. Also, keep a lookout for anomalies or drops in performance to identify damage that isn’t visible.
- Professional Maintenance: Consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service at least once a year for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
- Repair Broken Panels: Make sure that broken panels are repaired as soon as possible to keep the other panels from being damaged.
- Replace batteries: The lifespan of solar panel batteries is between 5-15 years. Replacing it will make sure that your system is working at optimal capacity and you’re getting the benefit.
6. What Happens After the Lifespan of Solar Panels Ends?
You might be curious to know what happens to solar panels at the end of their lifecycle.
The lifespan of the panels is not an expiration date. It is just an estimate of how long your panels can benefit you before their maintenance costs outweigh their production.
When you see signs that suggest that the panels are nearing the end of their life, you can replace them with brand-new, possibly more technologically advanced, solar panels. You can give or sell the old one to manufacturers that offer recycling programs.
Can solar panels be recycled?
The answer is yes. Even though the panels have reached the end of their life, there are still some components that can be reused. The recycling programs are aimed at extracting valuable and reusable materials like silicon and aluminum to use in newer solar panels or other manufacturing processes.
7. Solar Panel Warranties and Lifespan
A typical solar panel warranty ranges from 10 to 25 years. This range depends on the panel material that you’ve selected and other factors.
If you’re opting for a panel warranty, make sure to review the warranty terms and conditions to understand the specific coverage and limitations.
Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties that cover both product performance and materials defects.
However, the type of warranties can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. If your panels are covered by warranty, you might be able to get your panels repaired for practically free.
It is suggested that you replace your solar panels just as the warranties end. This will allow you to get the most cost from your panels and get new, more advanced solar panels to upgrade your system.
Conclusion
Solar panels typically have 10-25 years of warranties and a 35-40 year lifespan. Therefore, it is safe to say that they are a long-term investment. However, there are a number of factors that can affect solar panel longevity.
To maximise your return on investment, consider the regular maintenance tips suggested in this article.
Plus, if you’re considering an investment in solar, pick an installer that can provide you with the best material and installation services.
Samso Solar is one of these highly experienced solar installers. We can help you to explore your options and ensure a sustainable energy future.
