For homeowners who are looking for ways to save the environment, reduce their utility bills, and save money on their taxes all at the same time, solar panels are a great option. Solar energy provides homeowners and business owners with a chance to reduce their carbon footprint while generating their own electricity from the sun’s rays using solar panels. One of the most common questions that homeowners have is how long they can expect their solar panels to last. There are a few key points that everyone should keep in mind when it comes to the longevity of solar panels.
Quick Facts About Solar Panel Longevity
Some of the most important points to remember about the longevity of solar panels include:
- Usually, solar panels will last between 25 and 30 years
- During the life of solar panels, they will degrade slowly
- This means that they might produce less electricity as they age
- Using the right equipment can make a difference in the longevity and efficiency of solar panels
- Proper maintenance of solar panels can extend their life as well
Keeping these facts in mind will help homeowners get the most out of their solar panels.
The Lifetime of Solar Panels
In general, solar panels should last anywhere from 25 to 30 years. Now, this doesn’t mean that solar panels suddenly stop working at 25 years. After this time, the energy production of solar panels usually drops to an amount that no longer meets the needs of the owners. Manufacturers no longer consider the amount of electricity produced by solar panels after this time to be significant.
Even after this time, solar panels can continue to work for many decades as long as they aren’t damaged or destroyed by hail, rain, dust, or other external factors. The reason why solar panels last so much longer than the other utilities in a home is that they do not have a lot of moving parts. They rarely break from within and the biggest threat usually comes from inclement weather.
How Fast Do Solar Panels Decline?
Since solar energy first became viable, there has been a tremendous amount of research done in the area of solar panels. A recent study found that the rate of solar panel output dropped by around 0.8 percent every year. This is referred to as the solar panel degradation rate. While this rate of decline can vary widely from brand to brand, some solar panel degradation rates might be as low as 0.3 percent. This is why it is important for everyone who is thinking about purchasing solar panels to invest in the right material. The goal is to find degradation rates that are less than one percent.
The solar degradation rate is one of the most important factors that all homeowners and business owners need to think about. For example, if the solar panel degradation rate is 0.5 percent, the panels will operate at 99.5 percent of their original output after one year. Then, after two years, they will operate at 99 percent of their original efficiency. After 20 years, they will still operate at 90 percent of their original efficiency. This means that even though solar panels might reach the end of their typical lifespan after 25 years, they will still produce a lot of energy.
Making Solar Panels Last Longer
There are ways for homeowners and business owners to make their solar panels last longer. In general, solar panels are already extremely durable. Most companies test their solar panels to make sure they can stand up to:
- High winds
- Snow loads
- Falling hail
One of the unique features of solar panels is that they do not require a lot of maintenance. Therefore, the best way to keep solar panels working well is to make sure the installer has a strong record of customer service. Furthermore, many manufacturers also offer warranties that could be as long as 12 years. Some production warranties even last 25 years. This is a sign that the manufacturer has confidence in their product. Finding the right equipment and a solid installer can help solar panels last longer.
That being said, there are still a few maintenance tasks that can help solar panels last longer. These include:
- Get all solar panels checked regularly by installers and service providers
- Make sure that all debris stay out of the way of solar panels
- Remove damaging materials from the vicinity of solar panels
These are a few of the easy maintenance tasks that will help everyone get the most out of their solar panels.
Invest in Solar Energy Today
Anyone who is looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their taxes should invest in solar energy. With the right brand, solar panels can last for decades. If you have further questions about installing solar panels on your home or business or how you can save money with solar, the best thing you can do is explore your solar power options with a qualified professional. Contact HomePro Solutions today. We have the technical know-how and customer service expertise necessary to ensure that every solar power project is a success.