The usage of solar energy panels has increased in recent years. Solar energy panels have brought many benefits to homeowners who use solar power: reducing energy bills, increasing the value of homes, and reducing carbon footprint. Solar energy panels are not only reliable, the durability has also risen substantially over the last 20 years.
But solar energy panels have a high initial price. Before buying solar energy panels, homeowners naturally want to understand how long can solar energy panels last.
In this article, we will mainly discuss how long solar energy panels last, some of the factors that affect their lifespan, and how you can make them last longer.
The life span of Solar Panels
Solar energy panels, on average, have a lifespan of 25-30 years. In the case of well-built systems, energy panels can last longer. Life span does not imply that panels would stop producing electricity after 25 years. The life span only means that energy production has decreased by a sufficient amount.
According to the NREL, solar energy panels have a degradation rate of roughly 0.5% per year. After 20 years of usage, a solar energy panel would produce roughly 90% of the electricity.
Solar energy panels will continue to function for many decades as long as not physically harmed by wind, debris, or other external forces. Solar energy panels seldom break inside, usually only harmed by outside influences such as a faulty racking configuration or severe weather.
The factors that affect the lifespan of solar panels
- Quality
The quality, materials, and type of solar panels you install will impact work efficiency and life span. While low-quality materials may be more affordable, they may degrade more quickly.
- Climate
Extreme weather can reduce the life span of a solar energy panel. If you live in an area with cold temperatures, heavy rain, snow, and hail, solar panels degrade quickly.
- Installation
The way solar energy panels and racking systems are installed can impact their degradation rate.
- Maintenance
Solar energy panels last longer when being well-maintained. Energy panels may degrade more quickly if they are dirty, have debris, or don’t undergo regular maintenance.
- Degradation
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, panels typically degrade at a rate of 0.8 percent annually. Most panels remain productive long after the 20 to 25 year warranty period expires, even the panels have average degradation rates.
Tips to Make Your Home Solar Panels Last Longer
The great advantage of solar energy panels is little maintenance. Regular solar energy panel cleaning is generally unnecessary.
While solar energy panels generally require little maintenance, it’s still important to inspect your solar panels regularly. Here, below are some tips to ensure your solar energy panels last longer:
- Keep solar energy panels clear of harmful
An accumulation of dirt, leaves and bird droppings can affect your solar energy panels’ efficiency.
While rain can be sufficient for cleaning your panels, you also need professional cleaning regularly. The energy panels should be away from branches. The shade can reduce output, and the branches could potentially fall in a storm to cause serious damage.
- Make sure energy panels are regularly checked and maintained
Regular maintenance checks will help keep your solar energy panel performance, meters, inverter, and other parts running at maximum efficiency. It’s also important to record the data in your electric bills and energy usage.
If energy panels are under-performing after rainfall, or there is an unusual spike in your utility bill, please ask for help from a professional.
- Choose a trustworthy solar energy provider
Although solar energy panels require little regular maintenance, some solar providers offer comprehensive maintenance for years of their products. The products are also with the feature of efficient, affordable, and reliable. With a reliable solar energy provider, you will attain high-quality products and superior service.
Why choose nRuiT
nRuiT is one of the global leaders in intelligent energy storage solutions.
Adding an energy storage system to your home or business can effectively reduce the electricity bill and ensure energy backup. Power Porter is a battery energy storage system can obtain grid independence, increased self-consumption, and reduced electricity bills.
If you are looking for a reliable partner, we are there for you. Contact us!
