How long do solar panels last?

Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more. The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation. If the panels continue to produce at a high level for another 15 years after that, you will end up saving thousands of dollars during the solar panels’ lifespan.

What factors affect the life expectancy of solar panels?

Here are some factors that affect the life expectancy of solar panels: The quality of the solar panels themselves is a vital factor that influences their longevity. High-quality panels, manufactured with stringent quality control and premium materials, are less susceptible to degradation over time.

Are solar panels durable?

Solar panels are generally very durable. Most solar panels are designed and tested to withstand the elements like hail, high winds, and heavy snow loads. And thanks to their lack of moving parts, solar panel systems usually require little to no maintenance. Still, maintaining your solar panels can boost production.

How long should a solar panel warranty last?

Near the end of your solar panel warranty (typically ~25 years), you should assess your panels’ performance and evaluate the trade-offs of purchasing a new system. By this time, you will likely have already paid off your solar energy system and generated an abundance of power independently from the utility company.

How often do solar panels degrade?

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panels will degrade by between .25% and .75% each year for an average of .5%/year. This means that after the 25-year warranty on your solar panels, you can still expect them to perform on the order of between 82.5% and 93% of the original output.

How efficient is a 10 year old solar panel?

Given the typical degradation rate of about 0.5–0.9% per year, a 10-year-old solar panel can be expected to retain 90–95% of its original efficiency. This means that if a solar panel started with an efficiency of 20%, it should still deliver around 18-19% efficiency after a decade. Should I Replace 15-Year-Old Solar Panels?