Solar products have gradually become popular in the lives of the public. Like any household appliances, solar panels will degenerate over time. So how long does the solar panel live? After reading, our guidelines will take you to understand the life of solar panels and its influencing factors, and provide you with the skills of extending its service life.
Table of Contents
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Most solar panels can usually run for 25 years before degradation, and the actual life span may be longer. After that, solar panels can continue to generate energy, but output will gradually decrease.
Generally speaking, the manufacturer of solar panels usually provides a 25 -year performance guarantee, which can help you solve the damage caused by extreme weather events during the warranty period, and the branches have caused damage.
If you want to extend the life of solar panels, you can regularly clean and maintain to improve its performance. In addition, the continuous progress of solar technology and the improvement of manufacturing technology also help to improve the life and efficiency of solar panels.
What Is Solar Panel Degradation Rate?
The solar panel degradation rate refers to the percentage of electrical capacity lost every year after a certain period of operation. It is an important indicator to measure the stability of the performance of solar cells.
Because the solar panel is exposed to sunlight and outdoor for a long time, its performance will inevitably decrease, while the degradation rate of solar panels is the speed of decreased efficiency and output over time.
We can better understand in the following ways: If the solar panel degradation rate is 1%, then its electrical capacity will be reduced by 1% after one year of operation, which means that they can be able to take a long time for a long time for a long time. Maintain efficient performance.
The solar panel degradation rate is an important specification provided by manufacturers. Most consumers usually pay attention to this indicator before purchasing solar panels.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Lifespans
Solar panels are usually not very fragile, so it does not affect its life span except for its own conditions and natural disasters. Even so, you can still increase the life of solar panels by some ways.
Quality
The quality of solar panels has a significant effect on its output differences. High-quality materials and manufacturing processes can usually improve the stability and durability of the battery board. Before buying, you need to understand the types of battery output, and check the production warranty provided by the manufacturer. The longer the warranty period, the more beneficial to you.
Install
Please choose an experienced professional installation personnel to ensure that your solar panel installation is in place, which is an important factor affecting the performance of solar panels. If it is not installed properly, it will accelerate the degradation of your solar panel. Usually some companies also provide maintenance and inspection to ensure the normal operation of the solar system. You can pay attention to more services of your partner.
Climate
Because the solar panel is exposed to outdoor for a long time, its life and performance are affected by the climate. If the place you live is hot, the more likely to degrade solar panels over time. Pay attention to other weather elements (such as humidity, hail, and wind) will also have a negative impact on your solar panel, and even cause additional damage to the panel.
Maintenance and Cleanliness
If you want to extend the life of solar panels, you can regularly clean and maintain the solar panel. The dust, dirt or leaves accumulated on the surface may affect the absorption of light and reduce the effectiveness of the battery board. To avoid this, a wise approach is to regularly clean up your solar panels or install a solar panel group guard.
Usage Mode
How and how often solar panels are used also has an impact on their lifespan. For example, frequent battery charging and discharging cycles can accelerate the aging of solar panels.
Which Solar Panels Last The Longest?
The solar panels currently available on the market are divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. A Tier 1 manufacturer is defined as a solar panel that has been in production for five years or more, not only has a high standard for product quality, but also has a stable financial position and includes high-quality products and services.
Primary solar panels are typically more productive after 25 years compared to secondary and tertiary panels. The primary solar panel degradation rate is 0.3%, the secondary solar panel degradation rate is 0.5%, and the tertiary solar panel degradation rate is 0.8%. Even if the upfront cost of the first-level panel is higher, the probability of the later return is also greater.
As technology continues to advance and various types of solar panels continue to improve, there may be longer life and more efficient products available in the future. Therefore, when choosing solar panels, you should make comprehensive considerations according to specific needs, budget and environmental conditions.
3 Tips You Can Try to Make Your Solar Panels Last Longer
The key to extending the life of solar panels is regular maintenance and proper use. Here are three tips to help you maximize the protection of your solar panels and get the most out of your investment:
Regular Cleaning
Dust, leaves, bird droppings and other debris will affect the absorption of light, reducing the efficiency of the panel. You can gently clean the surface with a soft brush, clean water, and a mild cleaner, but be sure not to damage the glass covering.
Avoid Shadow Coverage
Shadow coverage on solar panels can cause local energy loss and reduce the efficiency of the overall system. You need to check that your panel installation is not easily blocked from sunlight by surrounding buildings, trees, or other obstructions.
Reasonable Use
You need to avoid overcharging or over-discharging the battery, and regularly check the operating status of the battery system to ensure that everything is normal. If a part needs to be repaired or replaced, hire a professional technician to perform the operation.
Conclusion
By understanding how long do solar panels last, the solar panel degradation rate and influencing factors of solar panels, we can choose and maintain our solar systems more wisely. Although the level of solar panel design and manufacturing continues to improve, individual differences and environmental factors still need to be carefully considered.
If you have Solar system installation needs, choose GYCX Solar and we are committed to providing you with efficient and reliable solar solutions. Together towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Contact us for a clean energy future!
FAQ
What is the average solar panel lifespans?
The average solar panel lifespans is 25 to 30 years.
What is the payback period for solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panels is between six and 10 years.
What happens to solar panels after 25 years?
In 25 years, solar panels will be less efficient and generate less electricity. But that doesn’t mean your solar panels will stop working, they can be recycled when the panels degrade to the point where they can no longer generate electricity.
