Solar panel lifespan explained
Solar panels are one of the most popular energy sources for residential homes. Many homeowners wonder how long solar panels last and what factors make them wear out faster. Solar panels are often the first step to achieving a more sustainable lifestyle. The installation of solar panels can be costly, but there are many benefits that make it worth it in the long run.
Your solar panels will save you money for many years. But it is important to know which solar panels will be most successful for your home. Industry projections and degradation rates provide information that can help you make an educated decision about the future of your solar panel installation.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels last, on average, for about 25 years. This does not mean that they will stop working after this time. It just means that they produce less electricity than before, so they only make a small amount of money. Solar panels will work for many decades. They don’t break unless they are hit by something that damages them.
The key factor in making solar panels last: panel degradation rate
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that solar panel output falls an average of 0.8% each year. One of the more serious problems with solar panels is their rapid degradation. One of the reasons solar panels are becoming less efficient is that there are only so many different types of brands.
Can you make your solar panels last longer?
Solar panels last as long as they are made from good materials. They also need to be clean and taken care of. Many companies test their solar panels to make sure they can withstand heavy winds and snow. They test the windows to make sure they can survive a hailstorm. Also, solar energy systems do not have any moving parts. They do not need to be taken care of very often.
To make your solar panels keep working for a long time, you need to work with an installer that offers good customer service. Plus, make sure that the solar panels you buy have good warranties. Most solar panel manufacturers provide equipment warranties of 10-12 years. These cover any defects and damages that may happen because of the environment. These are usually 25 years long. This means your panels will keep making energy for you (above a certain amount) for 25 years.
When to consider replacing your solar panels
If you notice your energy bill getting higher after just 20 or 25 years, it might be that your solar system is not working properly. If you find that your solar panels need to be replaced, it will be better to purchase new ones than to repair the old ones.
When your panels are not making enough electricity for your home, you will need to replace them.
Replacing your solar battery
You can add solar batteries to your solar system if you want. Solar batteries are used to hold the power that is not being used when you have too much of it.
Batteries for solar panels typically have a 10-year warranty, which means that their performance will begin to degrade within this time. After 10 years, the batteries might not be as good as they are now. They can’t work at their best anymore. You might need to get new ones so that your home runs well. When you buy a battery, ask the manufacturer what their warranty on the battery is!
Regularly get your panels checked by your installer or service provider
Taking good care of your solar panels by examining them for damage can help prevent their early breakdown or even a need for repairs. When installing solar panels, or hiring an operations and maintenance (O&M) company for maintenance and inspection, make sure they schedule regular examinations of your system. A routine check will show you problems like loose wires or racking. If you don’t want to damage the warranty on your roof panels, hire a professional to inspect them rather than doing it yourself.
Keep your panels clear of debris and other damaging materials
Your solar panel installation technician has to ensure there are no trees or branches in the way of your panels. They want to ensure that the tree does not cast a shadow on the panel or drop branches onto it. As long as you take care of them, your solar panels will last a long time. They will go on producing energy for 25 to 30 years. Also, there are various damage prevention products on the market to protect solar panels. You can buy those guards to protect your solar panels from any kind of physical or natural damage.
Finding a sustainable solar solution for your home is easy
Using a solar system means that you are investing in the earth’s future. This can save you money by reducing your electric bills. If you want to have a sustainable solar panel system, find a manufacturer and an installer who offer the products you need.
