Solar energy reduces expenses and environmental damage, making installations attractive to many homeowners. When considering installations, consumers wonder, "How long do solar panels last?" The answer to this question will help them determine if they are worth the investment.

The short answer is that solar panels typically last 25 years. However, many considerations, including efficiency, maintenance needs, and quality, impact their worth.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Most solar panels come with a 25-year production warranty, meaning that they will provide at least 80% efficiency over the next 25 years. They may produce power beyond the 25-year mark, but will be less robust.

How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?

It typically takes 7-10 years for solar panels to pay for themselves, meaning you will see returns on your investment before a replacement is necessary. The time it takes to see returns varies depending on the following factors:

• The Cost of Your System: If you paid a lot for your system, it would take longer for you to get your money back.

• Incentives: Several incentives, such as the residential clean energy credit, net metering, tax exemptions, and local rebates and tax credits, can help you save money on your panels to see returns sooner.

• Electricity Use and Cost: Households that use a lot of electricity and pay high rates for power will experience more significant returns than those that don’t use a lot of electricity and pay lower rates.

• You can calculate your payback period by:

• Determining Combined Costs: Your combined cost is the total cost of your installation minus incentives.

• Calculate Annual Savings: Including what you save on energy bills, ongoing credits, and incentives.

• Divide Your Combined Costs by Your Annual Savings: The result will be the number of years it takes to break even. All the money you save in the following months will count as returns.

Factors That Impact Your Solar Panel Lifespan

Although the lifespan of most panels is 25 years, it can vary depending on the following factors.

Panel Quality

High-quality panels are made with durable materials that withstand environmental stressors like storms, heat, and temperature fluctuations and are less susceptible to degradation.

The panel type also impacts the lifespan. For example, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and can last 30 to 40 years. However, they are often excessive for most homes.

Polycrystalline panels are more common household choices and last 25-35 years; thin film panels are the least efficient and most affordable option, lasting 10-20 years.

Although quality panels last longer, they also cost more, which could reduce returns.

Installation Quality

Installation can also impact a panel’s longevity. Here are some examples of how a poor installation can reduce a panel's lifespan.

• Loose Panels: If panels are loose, they are susceptible to wind damage, including cracks and breakages.

• Electrical Wiring Issues: Poor wiring can cause hot spots where certain areas of the panel overheat, reducing efficiency and causing a fire risk.

• Improper Placement: Panels should be installed to capture optimal sunlight for maximum efficiency.  They must not be obstructed by trees, buildings, or shadows.

• Roof Damage: If the roof is damaged during installation, rainwater could get into the panels and cause damage.

• Stress: An improper installation can stress the panels, causing them to lose efficiency.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance will ensure your panels withstand the test of time and provide optimal efficiency. Here are some maintenance tips to follow:

• Clean Your Panels: Panels should be cleaned at least twice yearly to wipe off dirt, dust, and debris that may interfere with productivity. Avoid using harsh cleaners that can damage the panels. Instead, use a microfiber cloth and lukewarm water. Allow the panels to air dry.

• Inspections: Inspect your panels regularly for loose connections, chips, broken cells, and dirt buildup. This strategy allows you to address problems early on before they become significant.

• Monitor Panel Performance: Many solar installers provide apps that can be used to monitor panels’ performance. They will identify changes in productivity that could indicate efficiency issues.

• Trim Surrounding Vegetation: Trim vegetation that may cast a shadow on your panels and interfere with their productivity.

• Consider Solar Critter Guards: Critter guards will keep pests away from your panels so they can’t do damage.

• Seal Gaps: Gaps around your panels can lead to heat buildup, put stress on the panels, cause water to seep into the system, and interfere with the visual appeal. If you find gaps around your system, you may seal them yourself, but it may be better to call the contractor to repair them. This repair should be covered in the warranty.

• Consider Coating Your Panels: A protective coating can protect panels from potentially harmful UV rays, corrosion, and other elements.

How Quickly Do Solar Panels Degrade?

Although most solar panels last 25 years, they will degrade and lose efficiency over time. The question is, how long will it take for them to degrade?

A 2021 National Renewable Energy Laboratory Study reveals that solar panel output reduces by 0.5% to 0.8% annually.

To determine your panels' projected output, multiply the degradation rate by the number of years you’ve owned them and subtract 100%.

For example, a high-quality panel with a degradation rate of 0.5% will operate at 99.5% efficiency after the first year and 87.5% efficiency in year 25. A lower-quality panel with a degradation rate of 0.8% will operate at 99.2% efficiency after the first year and 82.5% in year 25.

Your Solar Inverter Impacts Your Panels’ Performance

You may notice your panels losing efficiency before their projected ‘end of lifespan.’ This issue could be related to your inverter, the part of your system that converts DC electricity gathered from the sun to the AC electricity you need to power your home.

There are three different types of inverters as follows:

• String Inverter: With string inverters, each panel is connected to a string fed from a single inverter. Although effective, an issue with the central inverter will impact each panel in the system.

• Microinverters: Microinverters are installed in each panel, so if one fails, it won’t affect the others. Although they are a convenient solution, they are more expensive than string inverters.

• Power Optimizers: These inverters work similarly to microinverters, providing many of the same benefits for less money. Rather than working at roof level, they move the power to a string inverter, allowing you to monitor the performance of each panel via an online portal.

These inverters may offer their share of advantages and disadvantages, but they all have a similar lifespan of about 10-15. If you notice reduced productivity in your panels, you may need an inverter replacement. Prices vary depending on the inverter type but are generally about $900.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

Solar batteries are another crucial component of your solar installation. They store energy so you can use it at night, during power outages, and times of low productivity. These batteries typically have a lifespan of 5-15 years. Battery systems are expensive to replace, costing between $6000 and $23,000, but they should not impact your system’s efficiency or productivity.

How to Extend the Life of Your Solar Panels

Panels will lose efficiency over time, but some strategies will help them last as long as possible. Here are some to consider.

• Choose an installer with guarantees and warranties: Many installers offer warranties and guarantees on workmanship, equipment, and production. They will address any issues within the warranty timeframe, ensuring your panels withstand the test of time.

• Work with a Reputable Installer: Research to ensure you work with an installer with a long history of providing excellent service to your community. These installers likely deliver quality installations and use efficient equipment.

• Maintain Your Panels: Maintain your panels with regular cleanings and inspections. Consider using a monitoring app to track performance and address issues before they become more significant problems.

Solar America Will Help You Find a Provider that Ensures a Long Solar Panel Lifespan

Various factors impact a solar panel’s lifespan, but the two most significant factors may be the quality of the installation and equipment. Therefore, finding a provider that offers quality installations, efficient equipment, and extensive warranties and guarantees is essential. Solar America will help you find a provider that meets your solar needs.

Enter your information into our contact form for a list of providers in your area. Choose the one best suited to your needs. Our competitive system ensures the lowest prices.

Contact us for the assistance you need to find a solar provider who will ensure the durability of your system.