Solar Energy is growing widely in popularity as homeowners across the nation are beginning to realize that solar energy is considerably cheaper than sticking with utility companies. Thanks to the countless local and government incentives homeowners are saving up to 50% on their electricity bills after receiving tax credits and rebates. With its popularity spreading it’s important to know how long your panels will last for and how they’ll perform under various weather conditions and climates. Read below to find out more! 

Lifespan of Your Solar Power Installation

When investing in solar panels, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long they last. In short, solar panels are designed to last between 25 to 30 years with little to no complications or signs of wear and tear. During this time, solar panels will efficiently convert sunlight into energy, providing consistent power to your home. During those years there’s an annual degradation rate of around 5% so a solar panel system doesn’t suddenly quit working one day, instead, it gradually declines in capacity and performance. 

Even after three decades, solar panels still function to power your home, but their capacity decreases with age. This degradation is a natural process and is primarily due to the breakdown of the materials used in the panels.. As a result, you may notice your system requiring more repairs or even a partial replacement of the panels to maintain optimal performance in powering your home.

With proper care and regular maintenance, some solar panel installations can last up to 40 years. To extend the lifespan of the solar system homeowners should be proactive about maintaining their solar systems. 

Regular cleaning is a simple yet effective way to ensure that your panels continue to work efficiently. Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, reducing their capabilities. Schedule your cleaning with your solar company so your panels can continue to operate at their best. 

In addition to cleaning, routine maintenance appointments with a solar specialist are crucial. These professionals can quickly identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems. By staying on top of maintenance, you can prevent the rapid degradation of your solar panels and possibly extend their life.

Another important factor to consider is the placement of your solar panels on your roof. The location of the panels can significantly impact their longevity. If your roof is surrounded by trees with low-hanging branches, it’s important to trim them back. Falling branches during a storm could severely damage your panels. 

Climate and weather conditions can seriously affect your panels.

Solar panels are designed to withstand various conditions, but some climates accelerate the degradation process. Being aware of your climate and weather conditions and preparing for them can help sustain your solar panel systems for as long as possible.

For homeowners in very hot climates like the desert regions in the southwest, it’s important to keep an eye on your solar panels because heat causes solar panels to break down at a slightly faster rate. This doesn’t mean that solar power isn’t viable in these regions. Solar panels are still a smart choice for homeowners in hot climates due to the considerable sun exposure, they may just require more frequent maintenance to keep operating at peak efficiency. Either way, check with your best solar installers to make sure that the panels are a great fit for your roof. 

Other weather conditions like humidity, hail, or high winds can impact your panels. These systems are built to last so they can withstand even the strongest winds and the most violent storms. 

Over time the solar panels are continuously exposed to the elements. This exposure inevitably leads to a gradual decline in their performance. As previously mentioned, on average, solar power installations experience a yearly degradation rate of about 0.5%. After 25 years, most solar panels will still be operating at around 85-90% of their original capacity. So this gradual loss of efficiency is not significant enough to leave your system completely useless after the 25-year mark. But it does mean that the electrical capacity will be reduced so you could pull a small amount of power from your utility company until your panels are restored to 100% working capacity. 

4 Common Signs That Your Panels Need Replacement

How do you know if your panels are dead or simply need updating? Here are the four most common signs that your panels should be replaced. 

1. Performance/Output:
   Solar panels can last up to 40 years if they are properly cared for. But after they hit the 25-year mark you may notice that they’re only performing at 85-90% electrical output. If you notice a larger decrease in energy output there could be a bigger issue at hand. To check for this, keep an eye on your electrical bill. If you get one in the mail significantly higher than normal, it’s time to get your panel system updated or replaced. Call us or your local solar company ASAP. 

2. Physical Damage:
   Solar panels are designed to be hearty but they are not invincible. Severe storms, hail, falling tree limbs, or UFOs can cause serious damage to your panels. If you notice cracks, dents, or other visible damage, it’s crucial to contact your solar company immediately. They will assess the damages and give you an assessment for repairs. 

3. Burn Marks:
   If you’ve noticed burn marks or discoloration this could be due to lamination defects or corrosion. This often leads to uneven temperature distribution across the panels which can lower its efficiency in converting sunlight into energy. One way to check if this is happening to your panels is if you notice an electric bill sliding into your mailbox. Because your panels are no longer working, you will naturally start to pull your electricity from your utility provider. 

4. Age:
   Solar panels are a long-term investment but at optimal capacity are designed to last 20-30 years. They are well worth the investment because even an aging system can continue to support your home’s needs. However, once your panels reach the 25-year mark, it’s essential to have a specialist assess the condition. In some cases, a simple upgrade can resolve any issues and extend the life of your system. For example, you might only need to replace the inverter or upgrade the mounting system, rather than replacing the entire system. 

By choosing the best solar installers and ensuring regular maintenance, you can enjoy reliable, sustainable energy for decades. Solar companies continue to innovate, offering more durable and efficient systems that are designed to withstand the challenges of time and climate. With proper care, your solar panels will provide clean, renewable energy for your home long into the future.

If you’re in our area and interested in making the switch to solar contact us, we’d be more than happy to assist you in your consultation process as you make the switch to solar energy. 

Sources: 

https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/solar/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/#:~:text=Manufacturers%20design%20solar%20panels%20to,last%20up%20to%2040%20years.

https://trellis.net/article/what-will-happen-solar-panels-after-their-useful-lives-are-over/

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/

https://www.earthlighttech.com/blog/4-signs-you-might-need-to-replace-your-solar-panels#:~:text=Generally%2C%20solar%20panels%20last%20up,to%20operate%20at%20100%20percent.