How Long Do Garden Solar Panels Last?

As you research this sustainable energy source, it’s important to consider the lifespan of solar panels. The industry standard lifespan for most solar panels is 25 to 30 years. Most reputable manufacturers offer a production warranty of 25 years or more.

The average break-even point for energy savings from solar panels occurs six to ten years after installation. If the panels continue to produce at a high level for 15 years after that, you’ll end up saving thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the solar panels.

What is the lifespan of a solar panel?

The longer your solar panels continue to effectively generate electricity, the more money you’ll ultimately save. The good news is that most home solar panels should last 25 years before noticeable degradation (or reduced energy production) occurs.

Even past that point, solar panels can continue to convert sunlight into solar energy—just less efficiently than when you first bought them. While it’s uncommon for solar panels to stop generating electricity completely, degradation over time can be so rapid that you should replace the panels altogether.

In addition to the production warranty on your solar panels, many manufacturers offer shorter warranties on the equipment involved. This can help cover damage caused by extreme weather events, fallen tree branches, and more. The mounting system for solar panels is also separate from the solar panel warranty. These can be damaged by weather factors.

Solar inverters typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The reduced lifespan is due to the inverter constantly working to convert the energy from the solar panel into usable electricity for the home. On average, it costs $1,000 to $2,000 to replace a solar inverter.

Which solar panels last the longest?

One of the biggest factors in determining the lifespan of a solar panel is the quality of the product. There are three tiers of solar panels on the market: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 manufacturers have been producing solar panels for five years or more, are financially stable, and are well-respected for their service and product quality, in addition to other criteria defined by the industry.

What is the solar panel degradation rate?

When a solar panel is exposed to sunlight and weather conditions, its performance gradually degrades. The degradation rate of a solar panel is the rate at which its efficiency and output decrease over time. This is usually measured as a percentage of annual power loss.

Solar panels naturally degrade in efficiency due to exposure to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, humidity, mechanical stress, and material and manufacturing quality. On average, most solar panels degrade at a rate of about 0.5% per year. This gradual loss of power output means that after 25 years, a solar panel’s efficiency can typically be expected to be around 87.5% of its original capacity.

While degradation is inevitable, advances in solar technology have resulted in longer-lasting, more reliable panels with lower degradation rates, so you can install them with confidence.