How long do solar panels last?
One of the best things about having solar panels installed is that you’ll have a reliable and continuous power source for years. But a burning question for all owners is: how long do solar panels last? Let’s delve into what solar panel lifespans look like, as well as how you can prolong their life in a few effective ways.
- Solar panels have a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years, which is usually protected against the guarantee of your installers. After these 25 years, your solar panel won’t suddenly stop working. With an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year, they’ll still be functioning at 80% of their initial efficiency.
How long is the average lifespan of a solar panel?
The average solar panel has a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years, but buying a solar panel from Wickes gives you an extra 5 years as we’re proud to offer a 30-year guarantee. It takes around 10 years for solar panels to return their investment, which makes the majority of their lifespan just profit.
After these 25 years, your solar panel won’t suddenly stop working. With an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year, they’ll still be functioning at 80% of their initial efficiency. What once generated 405 watts, will generate a still-impressive 324 watts.
Because the panel itself is the cheapest part of the system, it’s not a massive expense to replace either. And you can rest easy knowing that even after their 25-year guarantee, they’ll keep going for twice as long.
What happens to solar panels at the end of their useful life?
Once your solar panels have reached the point where they’re not as efficient as they once were, you can either choose to recycle their materials, or they can be reused in smaller or off-grid systems.
What’s the difference between a performance warranty and a product warranty?
A solar panel system always come with one or more warranties. Lets’ breakdown what these mean:
Do solar panel warranties typically cover the full projected lifespan?
Yes, your warranty should cover the full projected lifespan. As previously mentioned, we offer 5 years protection on top of the usual 25 years.
What are the primary factors that influence solar panel degradation rates?
Several factors can affect a solar panels lifespan, so it’s important you identify them sooner rather than later. These include:
High temperatures
Ironically, solar panels can be damaged by high temperatures. The more direct sunlight there is, the harder your solar panels have to work, which leads to a quicker degradation. Proper ventilation or air circulation is crucial to keep them cool. In the UK, the weather is ideal for naturally protecting solar panels and prolonging their lifespan.
Pitch of install
If your solar panels are installed at a lower angle, you increase the chance of damage from debris, wildlife and water intake. Flatter panels can collect water on the glass surface, which then makes its way into the casing and causes internal damage to the cells.
String problems
The string connects the solar panels to the inverter. All the panels are connected to a single input which connects to the inverter. One bad or damaged panel will affect the rest and potentially absorb the current from the working panels. This causes the cells to heat up which will start to cause damage.
Giving your solar panels the best start lengthens their lifespan. Choose professional solar panel installers like Wickes Solar, an established MCS registered company, to ensure you get a safe and a properly functioning system.
Is there something I can do to make solar panels last?
Solar panels don’t suffer much wear and tear, so there’s no need for them to be serviced. And the only time they’ll need to be replaced is if they’re damaged. However, there are two things you can still do to maximise their efficiency.
Monitor your system
If you monitor your system, you’ll be able to tell if something is wrong. There’s a very simple test to spot any potential issues; all you have to do is check that the light on the inverter is green during the day. If it’s red or orange, then you know there’s a problem. Call the manufacturer or a qualified professional if this happens are they’ll perform an in-depth test to isolate the problem before it affects your whole system.
Get your panels cleaned
Cleaning your solar panels can sound like a daunting task. Unfortunately, if you do it wrong, it may have a lasting impact on your solar panels performance. But don’t worry, we have a full article on the correct and safest way to clean your solar panels to help them last even longer.
When should I replace my solar panels?
The best way to determine whether it’s time to purchase replacement solar panels is if they’re producing far less power than you need (there could be an underlying issue here in which you should contact your installers about) or are significantly damaged through cracks, delamination, water ingress or severe discolouration.
We hope you feel clued up on a PV panel’s life expectancy, and how you can support their long-term performance too. Want to find out how long a solar panel battery lasts? Check out our insightful article that’ll give you everything you need to know about solar panel batteries.
