Adrian Lukedms Energy Tasmania
Adrian Luke from DMS Energy in Tasmania says they are getting two or three enquiries per week for solar system upgrades or battery storage.
DMS approaches each upgrade on a case-by-case basis. They always start with an on-site visit to examine the panels and the inverter. Youd be foolish not to run your eye over an old system before adding to it, says Adrian.
They check and potentially replace the isolator and look for yellowing of panels, microcracks and snail trails. If many panels have this, they suggest replacing all of them.
If the panels and inverter are in good nick, they recommend incorporating a new system with what youve got. This could happen in various ways:
If you have a large enough inverter with a spare MPPT input, the cheapest option is to add another string you just need to make sure the second string meets current standards.
If you have a single MPPT input inverter, it may be possible to add more panels to the string, but youre unlikely to be able to find matching ones, so theyll suggest one of several things: add another system to sit next to the original or replace the old inverter or add optimisers to all the panels as the panels then dont need to match in terms of wattage. Or they might recommend both replacing the inverter and adding optimisers.
Adrian says, Buy quality to try to avoid the problem as far as possible!
Check Your Solar Panel Warranty
If you do notice these higher charges and want to get your system looked at, the first thing you should do is take a look at the warranty given by your solar installer. Reputable solar companies typically provide a warranty promising that 85% output in the first 25 years, and some even offer additional warranties with shorter timeframes .
If you believe your energy output has dropped below these percentages within these timeframes, then you may be entitled to free services to correct the inefficiency. Without a warranty, these services could run up to as much as $2,000.
Should You Get Solar Panel Insurance
Solar panel insurance is definitely worth looking into. This way, youll be able to protect your solar panel system from all sorts including natural disasters and theft, but probably not including accidental damage.
And, given the average cost of a network of solar panels for a family of three typically costs between £4,000 and £6,000, this cover can certainly come in handy.
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Sign Up For Professional Solar Service
To ensure your solar panels retain their optimal production, you should enlist professionals to monitor your systems performance, and provide any necessary service if they detect an issue. Trained solar service technicians from trusted solar companies can perform necessary repairs on your existing equipment, or replace the damaged parts if needed, to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
If you want to rest assured that your system is in safe hands, check out Palmetto Protect. Available to all homeowners with a solar power system, Palmetto Protect offers real-time energy monitoring, fast and reliable support, and comprehensive energy recommendations, with a variety of service levels to match your specific needs.
Enjoy Lasting Solar Power With Sunrun
Theres no doubt home solar panel systems are a major investment. Thats why were here to help you enjoy reliable, worry-free, renewable energy for years to come.
Our team of experienced Solar Advisors are ready to discuss your energy needs and help you find the ideal solar solution for your home. See why Sunrun is one of Americas leading solar companies and start with a free solar quote today.
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How Often Do I Need To Replace My Solar Panels
Over the last few years, solar panel installations have grown exponentially in New Jersey. Solar power systems are a great investment for homeowners who are looking to save money on energy bills while helping the environment. However, just like any other investment, they, too, require proper care to maintain their performance for as long as possible. Here, we will discuss how often solar panels should be replaced and what you can do to prolong their lifespan.
S In Replacing Your Roof With Solar Panels
Now for the actual process. Here are some practical steps youll need to take and observe when installing your new roof:
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The Lifespan Of Solar Panels
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, are made to last more than 25 years. In fact, many solar panels installed as early as the 1980s are still working at expected capacity.1 Not only are solar panels remarkably reliable, solar panel longevity has increased dramatically over the last 20 years.2 In addition to decades of effective performance, many solar manufacturers back their products with performance guarantees in their warranties.1
Keep in mind that expected solar panel life expectancy doesnt mean the panels on your roof will stop producing electricity after a couple of decades. It just means their energy production will decrease by what solar panel manufacturers consider optimal to meet the average American familys energy needs.
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How Can You Keep Your Solar Panels Efficient For Years To Come
Solar panels are extremely durable, lasting an average of nearly three decades. Manufacturers rigorously test them to withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy snow, and even hail. And because solar panel systems usually lack moving parts, they dont require routine maintenance.
All of these factors contribute to the long lifespan of solar panels. Here are some ways to ensure that your panels are working efficiently for as long as possible.
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Do Solar Panels Lose Effectiveness Over Time
Yes, this is called the solar panel degradation rate, which is about 0.5% per year. Premium solar panels could have degradation rates up to 0.3%. That means for an average solar panel, after the first year has passed, the panel may operate at around 99.5%. After the second year, it will operate at 99%, and so on. So, after the typical lifespan, your panels could be operating at around 87.5%. This is why your solar panels could last up to 50 years or so, depending on the brand and they are free from damage.
Advances in the solar panel manufacturing process have decreased overall degradation rates over the past several decades. Most manufacturers claim to have an average yearly degradation rate of only 0.5%. Some premium panel manufacturers claim to have degradation rates as low as 0.3%.
The exception to these averages would be if you live in a climate that has extreme temperatures, or severe weather. Over time panels exposed to high levels of UV in desert climates, will experience large decreases in production, approaching 1% per year. Colder climates will also suffer greater if subjected to heavy wind and snow.
Do solar panels weaken with age?
Do solar panels go bad if not used?
If youre not using your solar panels as often, the degradation rate should stay around the same since the factors affecting degradation are mostly UV exposure.
Why Is My Electric Bill So High With Solar Panels
For homeowners in states like Louisiana, where electricity costs are about 25% below the national average, installing a solar system may not be as attractive as in Hawaii, where homeowners pay about twice the US average electricity price.
For domestic home solar users, solar panels do not require large areas and can be installed on roofs to generate sufficient energy, but large companies with large areas need systems that are efficient enough to provide electricity at all times.
Most consider the storage of large amounts of electrical energy to be the biggest obstacle to the industrial production of solar power.
Despite these difficulties, solar panels covering several hectares can in many regions can generate more electricity than can be made available to large populations by maintaining solar energy.
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Do Solar Panels Ever Have To Be Replaced
Solar panels degrade with time, which means that their energy-generating potential is reduced and they produce less electricity for the same amount of sunshine, or irradiance.
Over time, solar modules decompose due to factors such as UV radiation, extreme temperature changes, pollution, undesirable chemical reactions in semiconductor materials and adverse weather events such as hail, slushy wind, ice, dust and salt.
Extremely cold and hot weather, moisture, snow and ice also contribute to the degeneration of solar module component.
Potential induced degradation occurs when different components of the same system have different voltages, such as the frame of a solar cell, causing electricity leakage.
PID degradation tends to damage solar cells and reduces the overall energy yield. This is because solar cells and modules are connected in long rows, or strings, to generate a high system voltage of up to 1,000 volts, which drives the solar inverter.
Poor connections between solar cell strands can reduce also energy production, since about 33% of all solar cells are connected by strips of conductors, solder joints and wires.
PID is an undesirable degradation effect of a solar panel caused by factors such as voltage, heat and humidity.
Why Do Solar Panels Become Less Efficient Over Time
Research by the International Energy Agency suggests that the most common causes of solar panel expiry are:
- Optical failure
- Power loss
- J-box and cable failure
- Glass breakage
Since solar panels dont have any moving parts, there arent too many risks of your system going kaput out of the blue.
There are, however, a lot of external factors that can cause wear and tear on a solar panel system.
The most common factor that reduces a solar panels lifespan is soiling, which is when elements like snow, dirt, dust, and other particles accumulate on the panels surface. This becomes even more of an issue if the panels are fitted on a flat roof, not at the optimal angle of 20-50 degrees.
Studies have shown that even at a tilt of 30 degrees, an average of 1% solar radiation is lost from dust collecting on the surfaces of solar panels with the highest loss at 4.7%.
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Factors That Have An Effect On Solar Panel Degradation
Degradation is inherent on all types of solar panels. There are, however, certain factors that may increase degradation, and therefore may shorten its life span:
Seasonal extremes Solar panels suffer a higher degradation rate in the middle of winter. Regularly removing the snow from the roof can help slow down degradation during the winter season. Some components of solar panels also tend to degrade faster from exposure to UV rays.
Lack of care and maintenance While solar panels are relatively low maintenance, they are exposed to outdoor conditions, and therefore need to be cleaned every once in a while.
GO Green Air is the solar panel company that you can trust for all your renewable energy needs. Give us a call at 627-6527. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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Why Do Solar Panels Degrade
Solar panels may degrade faster than predicted for several reasons.
Crystalline silicon panels may experience a higher rate of degradation when solar panels are exposed to extreme changes in climate, experience heavy soiling, or are improperly installed. The superiority of the technology that different manufacturers use can play a role as well.
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Solar Panel Life Span
Most literature discussing solar panels mention a 35 to 40-year average life span, however, the actual life span will depend on many variables. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory , solar panels manufactured before 2000 have a relatively higher degradation ratethat is, the rate of decrease in performancecompared to newer ones. The term degradation sounds like the solar panels are in a constant state of decay, but it is no different than a smartphone or a laptop losing its batterys efficiency when you use it over the years.
Todays solar panels are far more efficient, with only up to 0.8% solar degradation rate in two years. This means if you have your solar installation done this year, it will be at 99.2% efficiency after the first 2 years of use. At that rate, you can use it for 25 years and its peak efficiency will be at 87.5%, a very good number.
Whats The Average Solar Panel Warranty
Solar panel warranties vary, depending on the manufacturer and model you go for. Generally, youll find that the panels themselves will be covered for 10-25 years. This performance warranty will typically guarantee 90% production at 10 years and 80% at 25 years.
Of course, there is much more to these complex systems than the panels. Luckily, many of the other components come with a warranty too, including batteries, which are usually covered for roughly 5-15 years, and inverters, which are typically covered for between 5-10 years.
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Do Solar Panels Need To Be Replaced
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Solar panels are a worthwhile and unarguably necessary investment to keep your electric appliances going but do they need to be replaced every now and then?
Generally, you dont need to replace solar panels very often since they are designed to last for a very long period of time and withstand different kinds of weather conditions. You should only replace your solar panels in two cases: A) they get damaged B) they can no longer produce electricity enough to power all your necessary appliances.
This article focuses on the average life span of solar panels, the various conditions which might require you to change your solar panels, and ways you can make them last longer.
So How Long Do Solar Panels Last
THE SHORT ANSWER: A really long time!
For the first 40 years, you will get great production from your panels. They will continue to produce power for another 40 years if you dont care about the efficiency. Solar systems are very durable, and the technology is practical and productive. WHY? Because the only moving parts involving the solar system are the Earth and the Sun.
Be sure the warranties of the installer, and the panels, are a good fit for you and enjoy your system!
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Do Solar Panels Ever Wear Out
On average, solar panels degrade about 1% in efficiency each year. Their lifespan can be affected by poor installation, such as a faulty racking system or exposed wires, or physical damage from inclement weather. Solar panel life spans can also vary depending on the type, how regularly the panels receive inspection and maintenance, how they were installed, and your environment. You can tell solar panels are on the decline when they begin to produce less light and electricity.
Use An Experienced And Well
When youre choosing the provider and installer of your solar system bear in mind that you are entering a long-term relationship. Unless you have the skills and confidence to take on all the cleaning and servicing of your solar system, then your provider will be looking after your panels for twenty-five years.
So, its well worth taking your time and choosing skilled and well-established installers with a good reputation, impressive and customer testimonials. A little extra expenditure on good care and maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your solar system.
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How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Solar Panels
So by now you are aware that load shedding is once again with most South African households and worst of all its here to stay! Considering going solar?
When you consider an investment in your home like going solar, its important to know what it will take to maintain your solar energy system and how long you can expect it to last. Most solar energy systems have a lifespan of 25 years. With a little bit of maintenance for your system, and a few key care tips to take care of your solar panels, you can invest in clean solar energy for your home that really goes the distance to save you money.
Making Your Solar Energy System Last The key to keeping your system in tip top shape is standard regular maintenance. For your inverter or other key parts of the system, that may mean a yearly inspection or cleaning. For your solar panels, however, maintaining their max generating power means keeping an eye out for anything that could be obstructing the suns path to your home. This can mean having your solar panels periodically cleaned of dirt and debris, or removing any fallen branches or leaves that may be keeping those rays from getting to your home. Your solar panels are only as good at catching the suns rays as they are clear to grab them.
