Solar panels can last several decades with proper maintenance. High-quality panels usually come with warranties of 25–30 years, which is a major pro for solar. Reputable solar providers should also offer strong workmanship warranties (sometimes called a labor warranty) to protect your system’s major components, such as the inverter and battery. Although panels usually continue to produce solar energy beyond their warranties, it’s normal to see some performance decline over time.
If you’re having issues with your panels before then, it could be due to a technical problem or component failure. A reputable solar company can give you advice on how to maintain your solar panels, such as by regularly cleaning or monitoring them for shade or dirt buildup. With strict attention to climate zone, storage, wiring, and installation quality, you can maximize the performance and lifespan of your system.
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What Is the Life Span of Solar Panels?
High-quality residential solar panels can theoretically last up to 50 years, but most manufacturers warranty them for 25–30 years. That doesn’t mean your panels will stop working once they hit the 25-year mark, but they will drop in efficiency and energy production.
Solar panel efficiency indicates how effectively your panels convert the sunlight they absorb into energy. Over time, that efficiency declines and affects your energy production. This gradual decline in performance is called the degradation rate.
- While properly cared for panels can last up to 50 years, the accepted industry estimation of how long solar panels last is 25–30 years. The U.S. Department of Energy cites an estimated operational lifespan of 30–35 years for solar panels but notes that some may last much longer.
What Is Solar Panel Degradation Rate?
The solar panel degradation rate measures how much your solar panels’ power output diminishes over time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been tracking degradation rates for the last several years as part of its Photovoltaic (PV) Lifetime Project.
NREL’s findings indicate that solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year. So if your solar panels have been operational for five years, your power generation will be 2.5% lower than your initial output. If we apply this to 20-year-old panels, production drops to 90% of the original output.
Some solar panel manufacturers include a power guarantee or warranty to back their panels’ output. This means your panels are guaranteed to perform at the rate outlined in your contract, or the manufacturer will replace or upgrade them. These policies vary among solar providers but may guarantee power production up to 90% or higher.
What Are Common Issues Affecting Solar Panel Longevity?
Most solar panels hold up well over time, but certain conditions can wear them down faster than expected. Understanding these common issues can help you spot potential problems early and take steps to reduce inefficiencies and unnecessary wear and tear.
- Damage from debris: Wind or storms can throw branches, pebbles, and other debris at your panels, causing scratches that undermine energy production over time.
- Hail damage: Most modern solar panels can withstand hail up to one inch in diameter. Any larger and it might chip or crack the panel’s glass, especially at its edges.
- Light-induced degradation (LID): Occurring in the first hours of exposure to sunlight, LID reduces a panel’s efficiency. While all panels experience LID, it’s most common in monocrystalline panels.
- Natural weathering: Freezing doesn’t affect solar energy production, but frequent or prolonged freeze-thaw cycles may gradually expand and weaken panel components or their mount attachments over time.
- Potential-induced degradation (PID): The electrical charge of a panel can lead to short circuits in its array (voltage imbalance) that cause efficiency loss over time.
Which Solar Panels Have the Longest Life Span?
The quality of your solar panels has a big impact on how long they last. Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF) developed a tiered rating system to grade solar panel quality. Panels are divided into Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three.
Tier One panels are produced by manufacturers with at least five years of experience, stable finances, and a solid brand reputation within the solar industry. These panels offer the highest power production, efficiency, and return on investment. They’re also the most expensive panel options. BNEF does not provide detailed criteria for Tier Two and Tier Three panels.
Among these Tier One solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most popular types of solar panels for home installations. Monocrystalline panels offer the best efficiency and power production, and they typically have a lower degradation rate.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Life Expectancy
We’ve detailed several factors that can impact not just your panels’ longevity, but your whole system’s efficiency.
- Environmental factors: Though solar panels work best in sunny conditions, prolonged exposure to extreme heat reduces their efficiency. Extreme heat and cold cycles can cause stress on the panels and internal components, potentially accelerating degradation. Strong winds or hailstorms can physically damage the panels, while high humidity levels can create a corrosive environment.
- Installation and maintenance: Solar panels must be installed correctly in a racking system to keep them in place. Poor installation could cause the panels to slip, crack, or fall from the mounting system. The installation angle of your solar panels can also affect performance. Regular maintenance is also important. Periodic cleaning and inspections can help remove debris and identify any potential issues early on, preventing further damage and extending the panels’ lifespan. Working with a reputable solar installer is essential to ensuring your panels will last as long as possible. Some installers offer workmanship warranties that cover issues due to faulty installation. If any problems arise, they will repair or replace your panels and fix any faulty mounting systems.
- Quality of materials: Investing in high-quality solar panels improves your system’s performance and protects against severe degradation. While all solar panels lose efficiency over time, high-quality panels have a lower degradation rate because they’re designed and built better. They use better solar cell technology, more durable materials, and improved designs to generate the best power output. Manufacturers typically include better warranty coverage with these types of panels. The industry standard is 12–15 years for the manufacturer’s warranty, which protects your system’s components in case of defects. Production warranties, or power production guarantees, are rarely less than 20 years. We recommend looking for companies that offer 25-year warranties to ensure your panels are covered longer.
How Can I Make Solar Panels Last Longer?
Though you can’t prevent panel degradation completely, you can take preventive steps to slow the process. We’ll share a few tips for keeping your panels in the best condition.
Invest in Reliable Solar Equipment and Installers
Going solar can be expensive, and many homeowners choose cheap solar panels to save money when installing a system. The trade-off is lower power production, which impacts your total energy savings. We recommend investing in high-quality panels—they’ll be more expensive up-front, but they’ll last longer and produce more savings over time.
We also recommend taking advantage of solar incentives to reduce your solar panel installation costs. These incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit, provide tax breaks and rebates to make going solar more affordable. Incentives are offered at the federal and state levels and through local cities, municipalities, and utility companies. This is an excellent way to invest in better equipment without overspending. California, Massachusetts, and New York currently top the list of states with the best solar incentives.
Along with reliable equipment, you’ll need to find a trusted company to handle your installation. Look for experienced solar companies and installers with positive reviews and a solid reputation. Each solar company will have varying solar panel and battery storage options. We recommend comparing several companies and considering their reputation, pricing, experience, product selection, and customer reviews.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance and Servicing
Solar panels require little to no daily maintenance. Rainfall keeps the panels’ surface clean most of the time. However, heavier debris, such as snow or broken tree branches, can sometimes accumulate. This debris will block your panels’ ability to absorb sunlight, so it’s important to clear it off. Many solar panel installers include cleaning in their comprehensive warranty coverage or as a separate service.
Routine solar panel maintenance will help keep your solar panels working efficiently. Visually inspect your panels for any signs of physical damage, cracks, or corrosion on a regular basis. Note that your solar panels aren’t the only component of your solar system. Solar panel systems include numerous parts that keep your system running, such as solar batteries and inverters. You’ll want to be attentive to what equipment you’re getting, as the highest-performing solar batteries can power your home for longer compared to lower-performing options. These individual parts will also have warranty coverage, but it varies among manufacturers.
Many solar installers include regular system checks as part of their warranty coverage. In addition, some solar companies provide smart apps that track your system’s performance, health, and energy production. Consider having a qualified technician inspect your system every 2–5 years, depending on your warranty and any specific concerns you might have.
When Should I Replace Solar Panels?
In most cases, solar panels continue to function even as they degrade in efficiency. However, they’ll eventually reach a point when they can’t produce enough power to sustain your home or provide energy savings. Here are a few reasons and situations when you might consider replacing your solar panels:
- Significant decrease in energy production: If your panels are significantly underperforming compared to their initial output or industry standards for their age, replacement might be necessary. A big change in your energy bill is one warning sign.
- Reaching the end of their lifespan: As panels approach 25–30 years old, their efficiency will naturally decline, and replacement might become more cost-effective considering the potential decrease in energy savings.
- Physical damage: Visible cracks, delamination, or other physical damage to the panels can compromise their efficiency and safety. Repairing individual panels might not always be feasible or cost-effective, necessitating replacement.
- Technological advancements: If your panels are significantly older and newer, more efficient models are available at a reasonable cost, upgrading could be a good long-term investment.
- App alert or professional recommendation: You may receive alerts about your panel’s health through your solar provider’s dedicated app. An alert could be a sign of panel damage or an issue with the system itself. We recommend reaching out to your solar installer to have your panels tested and possibly replaced if this occurs.
If your solar panels fail while still under warranty, your installer will repair or replace them. However, if panel failure occurs outside your warranty period, you’ll be financially responsible for the replacement.
Our Conclusion
Investing in solar panels offers many long-term benefits. Though all panels degrade over time, you can extend their lifespan with routine maintenance and care. Consider investing in high-quality solar panels from a reputable company to ensure they last 25 years or longer. We recommend requesting quotes from at least three providers to compare costs, solar outputs, and warranty terms.
FAQs About How Long Solar Panels Last
What is the average lifespan of solar panels?
The average lifespan of solar panels varies depending on the type of panel and other factors. Most solar panels have a life span of at least 25–35 years, but it’s possible for them to last much longer.
What is the payback period for solar panels?
The payback period for solar panels is the time it takes for the cost savings generated from solar energy production to offset the initial installation cost of the system. The payback period for solar panels typically falls between six and 10 years. The exact length of time varies depending on the system cost, energy consumption, electricity rates, financial incentives, and location.
Do solar panels become less efficient over time?
Yes, all solar panels become less efficient over time. High-quality solar panels typically degrade at a lower rate than cheaper, less efficient models. Loss of efficiency can be accelerated by other factors, including panel damage, extreme weather conditions, and faulty parts or installations.
What happens to solar panels after 25 years?
After 25 years, solar panels will be less efficient and produce less power. This doesn’t mean your solar panels will stop working, but they may be less effective at powering your home and lowering your energy savings. When panels degrade to the point where they no longer produce power, they’re ready to be recycled.