How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Going solar is a big investment, so it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘how long do solar panels last?’. To start, a modern-day solar panel’s lifetime is measured in decades rather than years and they require minimal maintenance to continue operating at peak efficiency throughout their lifetime. 

Don’t be fooled by the fragile-looking top layer of glass or put off by the fact that solar panels are exposed to all the same elements as your roof. Manufacturers have planned for this and invested countless resources into research & development to ensure maximum longevity for solar panels. That said, as with any piece of technology, there will come a time when the efficiency of your solar panels will begin to decline. While this is many years away for most solar customers, it’s still helpful to know what to expect from a solar panel investment. 

In this article, we’ll look at how long solar panels last, including:

• The average lifespan of solar panels
• What is the solar panel degradation rate?
• The durability of solar panels
• Which solar panels have the longest lifespan?
• What affects the lifespan of a solar panel?
• How to make your solar panels last longer.

The average lifespan of solar panels

Solar panel manufacturers design their panels to last for decades instead of years. Today’s most popular and efficient solar panels come equipped with a 25-year warranty on average, and many will continue producing energy efficiently for years after the warranty period has expired. 

One study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, after the 25-year period is over, most solar panels continue to produce energy at about 88% of their original output. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), some well-made panels can last up to 40 years.

Considering that most solar energy systems have a return on investment between 7-10 years, this long lifespan means you’ll continue enjoying clean, affordable energy for years after you’ve recouped your original investment. Yep, we’re talking free electricity! . 

What is the solar panel degradation rate?

Solar panels generally don’t just stop working. Instead, their performance will slowly decline over time, making them less efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. This slow decline is referred to as the solar panel degradation rate. 

One study by the NREL found that the average solar panels degrade at a rate of 0.5% per year. This means that after ten years, your solar panel’s energy production will be 5% less than when you first installed them. In other words, they’ll be operating at 95% efficiency. This, of course, depends on many factors, including the quality of the panel, weather conditions over time, damage, or even bird infestations. All of these variables can have an impact.

Some solar panel manufacturers back their products with a power production guarantee which promises to repair or replace solar panels if they dip below a certain production level. Some will even offer refunds if there’s a performance dip below a certain level. These types of guarantees often come with high-quality, high-efficiency solar panels with strong power output.

The durability of solar panels

It’s inevitable that solar panels will degrade over time, but modern-day solar panels are engineered with this in mind and crafted with high-tech, space-age materials that allow them to easily withstand heavy rain, wind, hail, and - most importantly for us Arizonians - extreme heat. 

The fragile solar cells inside a panel, responsible for converting and creating energy, are protected with special coatings tested against international standards for durability. Every solar panel is rigorously tested to withstand extreme weather conditions. Here at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we only carry the solar brands that meet our high quality and durability standards. And since we’ve installed thousands of systems over the course of nearly 20 years, our standards are pretty strict.

Which solar panels have the longest lifespan?

The lifespan of solar panels depends on the quality of their materials and manufacturing. It goes without saying that higher-quality solar panels will be costlier but have longer lifespans than their more affordable counterparts. 

The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF) categorizes solar panels into three tiers: Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three. Oddly enough, they don’t outline in detail what Tier Two and Tier Three panels are, but they do describe what to expect from a Tier One solar panel. 

Tier One solar panels are produced by manufacturers that have an excellent reputation, stable financing, and more than five years of experience. They tend to cost a bit more upfront, but the extra investment is more than likely to pay off with higher efficiency and a longer lifespan. Tier One solar panels tend to have a lower degradation rate of 0.3% compared to 0.5% for Tier Two and 0.8% for Tier Three. 

What affects the lifespan of solar panels?

The speed at which solar panels naturally degrade depends on various factors. To help you better understand how long solar panels last, let’s look at what affects their lifespan. 

Local climate

One of the major factors affecting solar panel life expectancy is the climate where they’re installed. While solar panels are built to be exposed to direct sunlight, long-term exposure to high temperatures can impact  efficiency. 

Other extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or hail, can also slowly contribute to the degradation of solar panels. That said, don’t be afraid of installing solar panels if you live in a hot climate or an area with extreme weather conditions. Remember, solar panels are built to be durable and withstand daily exposure to sunlight and other elements. Manufacturers have taken this into account when constructing their solar panel, and the benefits of going solar far outweigh the relatively minor long-term impact that weather will have on your system’s efficiency. . 

Installation of your panels

Your solar panel’s lifespan can also be affected by how well they have been installed. Proper solar panel installation prevents slipping or cracking, which can reduce efficiency. Roof penetrations must be properly sealed, and wire connections, sometimes measured in the hundreds or even thousands, must be well joined and sealed into weather resistant conduit. Working with a reputable solar installer will ensure your panels are properly secured and wired so they continue to produce maximum output safely well into the future. 

Most reliable solar providers will include a workmanship warranty that protects you from faulty installations that lead to damage to your solar panels or systems. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, for example, we cover your entire solar energy system for ten years from installation. And our in-house service department is there for you during and well after your warranty has expired. It’s worth reiterating that solar panels are designed to function for decades, so make sure you pick an installer that’s reliable and stable with a long history that proves they’re likely to be there for you well into the future. 

Quality of solar panels

As outlined earlier, solar panels vary in quality. Higher-quality solar panels will degrade much slower and provide higher power output. High-quality solar panels also come with stronger warranties, up to 25 years compared to a standard 12-15 year warranty typical with cheaper options. 

Maintenance

Solar panels are, thankfully, very low maintenance. That said, to increase their lifespan it’s best to partake in occasional solar panel care. This includes cleaning the panels and removing debris that can block sunlight and scratch or chip at the panels. If you’re not confident in maintaining your solar panels yourself, you can always hire professional solar panel maintenance services to take care of them for you. In most cases, this only needs to be done once or twice a year.

How to make your solar panels last longer

While you can’t stop your solar panels from eventually declining in performance, there’s lots you can do to extend their lifespan. Below are a few ways to make your solar panels last longer.

Choose reputable solar panels & installers

The best way to ensure a long lifespan for your solar panels is to start by choosing high-quality panels and trusted installers. We’ve said it several times, but we’ll say it again: the type and quality of your solar panel and installation techniques will directly affect their performance, output, and longevity. Since you’re already investing a significant sum into your solar energy system, you might as well choose the best equipment and best talent to install it. 

You may be able to afford higher-quality solar panels by taking advantage of federal and state level solar incentives, credits, and rebates. The federal solar tax credit alone can offset your  investment by 30%. Investing a little more upfront can also potentially reduce your payback period by allowing you to produce more energy and save more on energy bills. Our solar consultants can guide you through these incentives and calculations so you can get an accurate estimate of ROI. This is part of our no-obligation free consultation process which you can begin by filling in the form here. 

Besides investing in quality solar panels, it’s essential to choose a reputable solar company to ensure that your system is installed with safety, longevity, and optimal performance in mind. Experienced solar installers will properly assess your location, roof, and property and design a customized solar power system for optimal energy production. When researching solar companies, look for one with a strong reputation, years of experience, accreditations, and positive customer reviews. 

Clean your solar panels

Besides occasional and rare repairs after a storm or electrical connector failure, most solar panels will operate fine with little more than regular cleaning. This will ensure you get the most out of your solar energy system and help extend their lifespan. 

Cleaning your solar panels is especially important if you live in a location that experiences dust storms or are surrounded by trees that drop leaves and branches on your system. The accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris can block sunlight and decrease solar energy production. Birds sometimes like to make their nests underneath a solar array. Who doesn’t like a little shade? Unfortunately the debris and waste from our avian friends will often damage a solar energy system. Bird netting is a wise option where birds are plentiful. 

In some instances, cleaning solar panels yourself can be dangerous. Our service team is always available to provide professional cleaning and ensure your system continues operating at peak levels.

Maintenance checks & servicing

Just like cleaning, regular maintenance can ensure your solar system is operating at maximum efficiency.  generally involves checking your system’s health, including panels as well as inverters, racking mounts, and battery storage if you have it. Regular maintenance checks can spot and resolve potential issues before they escalate into a bigger problem. 

Another way to check that solar panels are functioning optimally is to keep track of your system’s performance. Keep an eye on your monitoring app or website, and if you notice any major dips in energy production, don’t hesitate to contact your solar provider for a checkup. 

Summary: How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are designed to last decades, but their eventual degradation is inevitable. Investing in high-quality solar panels and reputable solar installers will absolutely extend the lifespan of your solar panels, as will regular cleaning and maintenance. By understanding the various factors that affect a solar panel’s lifespan, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your energy system continues to operate efficiently for years to come. 

If you’re ready to get started with solar, the friendly team at Sun Valley Solar is ready to help. Our free, no-obligation solar quote includes estimated costs, preliminary design, and ROI calculation that takes into account your eligibility for federal and state tax credits. We’ll work with you to find the highest-quality solar panels for your budget and guide you through expectations and timelines so you understand everything that’s involved before getting started. To book your free custom solar quote, fill in the form on this page or give us a call at 480-576-5693. 

If you’re not quite ready to chat to us but want to learn more about solar, you can download our complimentary whitepaper: Is Solar Right for You?