Do Solar Panels Wear Out

Can You Extend The Lifespan Of A Solar Panel

Solar panels are generally pretty easy to maintain because they are built to withstand weather events like snow, hail and wind. Because solar panels do not require moving parts, they also have a less likely chance of breaking down or needing to be repaired.

Even though solar panels can be fine if you just leave them alone, you can extend their lifetime by routine care and quality maintenance. To maintain and extend the life of your PV system, you can follow these simple steps:

Following these steps will reduce any strain on the solar panels, making them work less hard, to ensure that your panels last as many years as possible.

Maintenance will also alert you to any early issues that can be covered in your warranty. If you notice anything off about your solar panels, make sure you contact your provider to get the replacement parts necessary to keep your system running with ease. By keeping your solar panels clean, it’ll help them last longer and absorb more sun.

Evidence That Solar Panels Can Go The Distance

In 1984 the Japanese solar company, Kyocera, installed 43 kilowatts on the roof of the Sakura Solar Centre.

The Sakura Solar Centre in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

Here is a very small graphic I found on a webpage about the Sakura Centre:

Image: Kyocera

As you can see, the graph clearly states:

Squiggle squiggly squiggle squiggle squiggle 1984 2015. Big red dot squiggles -13.0%.

I assume this means in the 31 years from 1984 to 2015 the solar panels only lost 13% of their original capacity. This is an average annual deterioration of only 0.4% and well below the 0.7% many warranties currently allow. After 25 years in operation the length of a normal performance warranty they were at around 90.5% of their nominal capacity.

But this result may only show that high solar quality panels can go the distance. It doesnt really say anything about those that arent made by Kyocera. But the good news is Ive concluded from reading the research article Compendium of photovoltaic degradation rates that if you didnt cheap out and buy crap panels they are likely to safely remain within the limits of their performance warranty for a full 25 years. I will give you a sentence from their abstract, but in GIF form so it will stand out and because I enjoy getting giffy with it:

Factors That Can Affect The Solar Panel Lifespan

There are several things that can affect how long a solar panel lasts. Here are some examples:

1) Temperature When temperatures get too hot, the performance decreases. This is especially true when the ambient temperature exceeds 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Humidity High humidity levels reduce the lifespan. Water droplets can cause physical damage to the surface causing corrosion.

3) Light Intensity Low light intensities also decrease the lifespan.

4) Air Pollution Air pollution from smog, dust, soot, and pollen can degrade the performance over time.

5) Wind Speed & Direction Strong winds can blow away solar panels. Also, the wind blowing parallel to a panel can increase drag force and decrease the power output.

6) Sunlight Duration Short duration periods of sunshine can greatly shorten the life..

7) Dust Dust particles can accumulate on the surface and block sunlight.

8) Hail Damage Hail storms can break off pieces of a solar panel and throw them into the sky. This debris can fall back down onto the panel and cause damage.

9) Snowfall Heavy snowfall can cover a system and prevent sunlight from reaching it.

10) Tree Growth Trees growing nearby can shade it from sunlight and lower energy production.

11) Lightning Strikes -Lightning strikes can destroy a solar panel and send metal fragments flying through the air. These fragments can hit nearby trees and buildings and cause serious damage.

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How Long Do Solar Panels Actually Last

Solar panels offer homeowners a great way to reduce their carbon footprint. Luckily, the lifespan of solar panels will allow you to produce energy for many years, providing a great return on investment.

You can count on most photovoltaic solar panels to last 25 years before they begin to noticeably degrade. Most solar panel companies will provide a standard 25-year warranty for the expected life expectancy of the solar panels. After 25 years, your solar panels wont necessarily need to be replaced however, their ability to absorb sunlight will be reduced.

In this blog, well explain how long solar panels last, review solar panel degradation rates, and ways to make sure your solar panels last as long as possible.

Little Critters Nesting Under Panels

Nesting is another of the problems with roof-mounted solar panels. I cringe thinking about it but, it is a fact. Rodents, birds, squirrels, and other small creatures like to make a home beneath panels. Not only can this cause immediate structural damage, but it also presents a fire hazard. Add protective barriers during installation. Protective barriers keep little critters out.

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You Need Adequate Space To Install Them

Solar panels are all about capturing sunlight. The more cells you have, the more light you will trap. The more light you trap, the greater your electricity output. But your property has to be large enough to mount them.

The optimal spot to station solar panels is rooftops. You should know that they eat up square footage. Your roof might not be the right size to handle enough panels to meet all your electricity needs. In this case, your yard is another option. Ensure that they have enough exposure to sunlight.

Maintain And Replace Batteries

Battery maintenance and replacement is one of the main expenses associated with off-grid systems. Even lower-upkeep battery types, like lithium and sealed lead acid batteries, still need to be inspected a few times per year.

Most batteries come with a warranty of 3-10 years, depending on the brand. But if you dont care for your batteries properly, they can fail within the first year of ownership.

For example, lead acid batteries need to be fully recharged after being used, and they will be permanently damaged if they sit for extended periods without being recharged.

Most high-quality off-grid deep cycle batteries will last between 5-15 years, depending on the battery type and how they are used and maintained. You can extend the life of your batteries by caring for them properly and by ensuring theyre installed correctly.

The best thing you can do is design your system properly from the start. Account for the proper amount of battery capacity, solar power, and inverter output up front to keep everything working properly.

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How Often Should Solar Panels Be Replaced

Solar panels are extremely durable and with no moving parts, they will generally require little to no maintenance. The lifespan of solar panels for housing is between 25 and 30 years, however, some systems can last up to 100 years. Solar panels can also be used for a variety of other applications such as lighting, heating, cooling, and more.

For example, a company called SunPower has developed a system that uses solar energy to heat water in a home. The system uses a solar panel to convert sunlight into steam, which is then used to boil water for drinking and cooking purposes. Another company, SolarReserve, is developing a similar system for use in homes and businesses.

Things You Want To Know

Are solar panels low maintenance?

Solar panel upkeep is easy. Once you install your system, there is no need to move them around, which can cause damage. Because panels have no moving parts, there is less wear and tear. So long as you clean your panels at least three to five times a year, they should last a long time.

Are my solar panels working properly?

Complete a health check on your inverter. When the sun is up, the light should be green. If it is any other color , it means something is wrong.

Why is my solar meter not working?

Solar meters stop working with time. When they stop working, it is not a sign that there is anything wrong with your system. The problem could also be a glitch. Have a technician take a look at it to determine if your meter needs replacement.

Can solar panels go bad?/How to tell if a solar panel is bad

Solar panels do wear out. But this should take decades to happen. If you have had your system for a long time, you should have an idea of electricity output. A dip in power production is an indicator that something is wrong. You can measure output using a multimeter.

How to check for panel performance

Do not rely on your electricity bill. They will not provide accurate data. Instead, test panel performance using a multimeter.

How do you know your solar panels are not working?

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Do Solar Panels Necessitate A Lot Of Upkeep

Do you have concerns about solar panels and hail? Dont be concerned! Solar panel systems are extremely long-lasting and require little to no maintenance throughout the course of their useful lives, which can be up to 25 years. If something goes wrong, the components of your solar PV system are covered by extensive warranties that cover replacement and repair costs. Repairs and maintenance are the duty of the leasing company, not you, if you lease your solar panel system.

Twigs, Leaves and Dirt:

Debris on your solar panels can scrape them, reducing the amount of electricity produced. Keep the trees around your house pruned so that no branches or debris fall on your roof. For best effectiveness, clean your solar panels once a year using a garden hose and a soft cloth.

Hail Storms:

Hailstorms are no exception to the rule that bad weather is bad for roofs. If you live in a location with extreme weather, your solar expert should be able to advise you on the best solar setup for you.

What Is ‘solar Panel Degradation Rate’

Over time, solar panels lose their ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into solar energy due to factors such as hotter weather and the natural reduction in chemical potency within the panel. This is what is referred to as the degradation rate.

The lower the degradation rate, the better the panel. When a solar panel has a lower degradation rate, it will produce more energy over its lifetime.

Degradation rates vary from one brand to another higher-quality panels have a lower degradation rate versus lower-quality panels. This is important to keep in mind when doing a solar panel comparison since it might make more sense in the long run to spend more money on higher quality panels.

According to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study, premium modern solar panel manufacturers such as Panasonic and LG offer panels with degradation rates as low as 0.30% per year.

The worst degradation rate is .80% a year, but as a benchmark, you can expect an average degradation rate of .50% a year for any panel.

For most Tier 1 solar panels, the degradation rate is .30% meaning that each year, the panels performance is reduced by .30%. Over 25 years, that adds up to a total of 6.96% meaning your panels will operate at 93.04% of their original capacity in 2045.

If you invest in Tier 2 solar panels, your panels will degrade .50% each year and at the end of a 25-year warranty, they will operate at about 88.67% of their original capacity.

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How Long Do Solar Panels Last Solar Panel Lifespan Explained

The industry standard for a solar panels productive lifetime is 25-30 years. However, a solar panel wont die after 25-30 years, rather, their output will decrease a significant amount below what the manufacturer projected. Its hard to understand the upfront cost of going solar without knowing how long you can expect your rooftop panels to produce ample energy. Your solar panels will be able to offset your electricity use for decades, but it is also important to understand industry projections and degradation rates.

Meeting Regulation Requirements Takes A Long Time

The solar energy industry experiences exponential growth every year. There is yet more growth to be had. If only we could get all those pesky regulations and mind-boggling rules out of the way. All the arbitrary paperwork is a hassle anyone would want to avoid. There are also the money-grubbing extra fees tallied to the already high cost of panels. Lets not forget installation costs. For the regular joe, it all seems so much, and there is no getting past it.

I guess thats where we, believers in the green, come in to help institute change. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

Now that you have a clear idea of solar panels problems, here a handy guide on how to detect if the problems damaged your panel.

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Degradation Is Measured In Percent Not Percentage Points

When it comes to solar panels there are two percentage figures people are reasonably familiar with. These are:

Its a good idea not to get these percentages confused. If a panel thats 17.1% efficient degrades by 3%, it doesnt lose 3 percentage points to become a 14.1% efficient module. It only falls by 3% down to 16.59%.

Image: XKCD

To further bludgeon my point home, if after 25 years a 17.1% panel degraded by 20% it wouldnt become a vampire panel with negative 2.9% efficiency that sucks power out of nearby electrical cables when exposed to sunlight. Instead its efficiency would merely drop to 13.68%.

How Fast Do Solar Panels Degrade

On average, solar panels degrade at a rate of 1% each year. Thats backed up by the solar panel manufacturers warranty, which guarantees 90% production in the first ten years and 80% by year 25 or 30.

However, a study conducted by The National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows a more accurate picture of solar panel degradation. This study took a look at the degradation rates for almost 2,000 solar systems across the world in a variety of climates and found that monocrystalline panels made after the year 2000 degraded at a rate of just 0.4% – less than half of the 1% rate used in the warranties.

While solar panels lose a few percentages right away due to LID, the degradation rate slows down significantly for the remainder of their lifetime.

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Tips To Harness Your Solar Energy Independence

Having independence means you dont have to rely on the power company or other fossil fuels. Many people like the sound of a wholly self-reliant and self-sustaining power system. It is possible for your home to become more eco-friendly and to break away from traditional power methods. You`re bound to its prices, requirements and regulations when dependent on your local power company.

Our carbon footprint is how much greenhouse gas you generate. Individuals in the US have the highest carbon footprint in the world. The average Americans carbon footprint is 16 tons of greenhouse gas. The global carbon footprint needs to drop below two tons to help the environment. You can better lower your carbon footprint by calculating it with a carbon calculator. With energy independence, you can limit your impact on the environment. One way to get out from under the energy companys control is to install a solar power system. Solar energy comes with various benefits for all families. Lets have a look!

And the next is the question of how you can go solar for energy independence. As solar power rises in popularity, it will become more attainable for everyone. If youre considering giving energy independence a chance, here are a few steps to prepare for solar energy.

Assess your property

Prepare your home

Before adding solar panels, prepare your home for energy independence by making it more efficient. For windows, add a protective film to increase energy efficiency. Other ideas include:

Finding A Sustainable Solar Solution For Your Home Is Easy

Going solar is an investment in the earths future that can also save you money by reducing your monthly electric bills. By thoroughly researching solar equipment manufacturers and working with solar installer that offers the products you want, you can ensure that your solar panel system is as sustainable as possible. Compare solar quotes side-by-side the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to find the right combination of sustainable products, easy financing options, and a well-reviewed installer for your homes renewable energy needs. All of our installers are qualified and pre-vetted so you can have the peace of mind that you are working with a licensed solar professional.

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Case Study: Solar Adds To A Sustainable Lifestyle

Peter and Di are self-funded retirees so getting the most from their energy-saving is important.

Being able to tap into the rebate program was a great help, said Peter. Wed been thinking about solar for some time, but being able to get some extra help from the government has really made a difference.