Are you planning to invest in solar panels but you're not sure how long they'll last? Do you wonder if the upfront investment is worth it?
Buying solar panels can help you cut costs in the long run. But this will only be the case if they last.
Knowing the lifespan of your solar panels will determine how long your upfront investments will take to pay off.
Want to learn more? Read on for more on the lifespan of solar panels.
How long do solar panels last
Generally, solar panel manufacturers will give warranties stating that the panels should last up to 25 to 30 years. Within this period, you should expect the output of the panels to be at least 80 or 85 percent.
After this period, you can expect your panels to slowly start to lose their efficiency. Even then, some will have a projected lifespan of up to 40+ years.
Even in severe conditions, solar panels should still last up to 15 years. Keep in mind though, that this is with proper care and maintenance. You can check out this helpful page for more info.
Factors that affect solar panel lifespan
Your solar panels can last longer or shorter than intended depending on certain factors. Be sure to keep the following things in mind when thinking about getting solar power installed.
Weather conditions play an important role in determining solar panel lifespan. Exposure to specific weather patterns can reduce their lifespan.
One example is when the panels get exposed to too much moisture. In cases like this, it can lead to the degradation of electrical components.
Additionally, extreme temperatures can force a solar panel to break down much faster. This can be the case when it's too hot during the summer months or too cold during winter.
Snow, hail, and extreme wind can also create problems. This is because these can gradually damage and wear down the material that covers the cells.
Maintenance also plays an important role in a panel's lifespan. Over time, dust and debris in the air can accumulate on the panels. This reduces their energy efficiency and shortens their lifespan.
Panel orientation is also important. If a panel is facing the wrong direction in the sun, it will generate less energy and eventually fail.
Another factor that affects solar panel lifespan is the quality of the panels. Poor-quality panels may not last as long as better-quality panels. This is because they're more susceptible to damage from weather and other elements.
Making your solar panels last longer
There are a few things you can do to make your solar panels last longer. With these, you can also cut down on the amount of maintenance you'll have to do.
One of the most important things you can do is to keep them clean. Regularly cleaning the surface of the panel will help remove dirt and dust, which can damage the coating and reduce the panel's efficiency.
Another key factor in keeping your solar panels running properly is keeping them cool. If they're too hot, they'll start breaking down faster.
Make sure to install your solar panels in a well-ventilated area. Then, be sure to keep them covered when not in use to prevent heat build-up.
One of the best ways to ensure that your solar panels are performing at their best is to monitor them regularly. This will let you know when there's something wrong with the system. So you can then take appropriate action before it becomes a problem.
Also, make sure to insulate your solar panels whenever you can. You can do this by using weather-resistant insulation around the frame of the panel.
This will help keep the panel cooler in the summer months. This can slow down the degradation process.
You should also consider investing in a quality mounting system for the panels. This will help maintain their structural integrity, ensuring they will last longer. By taking these simple steps, you can help make sure your solar panels last longer.
Warning signs of a declining solar panel lifespan
Solar panel performance usually decreases over time. This can be due to aging, bad weather, and shading. There are key warning signs of a declining solar panel lifespan that you should be aware of.
If there are cracks or deformities in the panels, it could mean that the material used to make them is no longer strong enough. If this happens early on in the panel's lifespan, it can get fixed easily. But if cracks or deformities start appearing later on in the panel's life, it might be time to replace it.
If your system is producing less energy than usual, that could be a sign that its lifespan is waning. Over time, the cells within a solar panel will start to degrade and stop working as efficiently as they once did.
This might cause your system to produce less energy overall. This can happen even if all the other components are still functioning properly.
Panels produce different colors of light depending on how much sunlight they're receiving. As a panel's lifespan declines, its color will gradually change until it becomes completely white. When this happens, it might be time to replace it.
If you notice any of these, it's important to have your panels checked by a qualified technician. By doing so, you can ensure that they are still functioning at their best. This will give you peace of mind that you won't need to replace them so soon.
Getting the most out of the lifespan of solar panels
The typical lifespan of solar panels ranges from 25 to 30 years. To maximize this, be sure to get an installation from a reliable installer. Use this information to maintain and inspect your system.
With this, you are sure to get the power you need from your solar system for years to come. Start building a clean, green future today!
