Solar energy is a great way to reduce your electricity bills and help the environment. But how long do solar panels last? As a general rule, solar panels last between 25 and 30 years. However, this does not mean that they stop producing electricity after 25 years, it just means that energy production has declined by what manufacturers consider to be a significant amount. You can count on most photovoltaic solar panels to last 25 years before they start to degrade noticeably.
Most solar panel companies offer a standard 25-year warranty for the expected life expectancy of solar panels. After 25 years, your solar panels won't necessarily need to be replaced; however, your ability to absorb sunlight will be reduced. Good solar panels can last 20-30 years, but there isn't necessarily a date when you need to replace yours right away. It is more important to pay attention to your productivity.
If your solar panels are still in good condition and produce enough electricity, they may not need to be replaced. On the other hand, if you find that your electricity bill is going up because your solar panels are no longer working, it's probably time to replace them. The exact number of years that solar panels will last would depend on several factors, such as the type of panel, the way the system is installed, the climate you live in, and the maintenance. With proper maintenance, your panel can work for 40-50 years.
To ensure the longevity of your solar system, it is important to find a reputable solar installer and carry out regular maintenance checks. Solar panels also come with a few different warranties that can give you an idea of how long you can expect the life of your solar panel to last. The average rate of degradation of solar panels is around 0.5%, which simply means that the energy production of a solar panel will decrease at a rate of 0.5% per annum. To determine the projected production of your solar panels after a certain number of years, you can simply multiply the rate of degradation by the number of years you are interested in and subtract that number from 100%.
Solar energy is an excellent way to reduce your electricity bills and help the environment. With proper maintenance and installation from an MCS accredited company, you can make sure that your solar panel lasts for decades.
