Solar panels are a well-known source of renewable energy. They’re eco-friendly, reduce your carbon footprint, and help you save money once they pay for themselves. But how long do solar panels last before they have to be replaced?
Knowing the lifespan of solar panels and how to increase their lifespan is important. Systems are not cheap, and you want to be sure that you get your return on investment from your solar energy system.
- What Are Solar Panels?
- How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- Which Solar Panels Last the Longest?
- Why Do Solar Panels Degrade?
- What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Solar Panel?
- How Do You Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels?
- When Should You Replace Solar Panels?
- Warranties
- FAQs About How Long Do Solar Panels Last
What Are Solar Panels?
You’ve probably heard about how solar panels supply your home with electricity and save money on energy bills. You probably also know they are an eco-friendly source of clean energy.
Photovoltaic solar cells, or PV cells, are supported by racking and the modules are placed on a roof where they absorb sunlight and transform the gathered energy into electricity.
The steps it takes for a solar panel to convert sunlight into energy are relatively simple:
- Solar panels absorb energy from sunlight.
- The solar inverter converts the sunlight into usable electricity.
- The converted electricity is sent to the electric box.
- From there, the energy is distributed into your home’s power outlets.
Homeowners can use net metering, which is where any excess energy can be sold to the grid in exchange for credit to reduce the cost of electricity bills. Or homeowners who own a solar battery can store the excess energy to use later on a cloudy day when solar energy output is low.
Installing solar panels is expensive, although if price is the issue, there are a lot of government incentives offered for homeowners seeking to install solar panels.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Typically solar panels last 25 to 30 years.
Sometimes unfortunate accidents happen and solar panels get broken or damaged before the end of their lifespan. You can hire a solar company to do repairs, although some damage is irreparable. But in most cases, a well-cared-for solar panel will last its full life expectancy.
A solar panel doesn’t abruptly stop working once it hits the end of its lifespan. The issue is that over time, energy production slows due to degradation.
Degradation is when solar panels slowly decrease the amount of energy they can produce daily. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that the average degradation rate is 0.5% to 0.8% each year, which means that solar panels can decrease up to an 84% efficiency rate by the time they’re 20 years old.
If homeowners are off-grid and reliant on solar power as the sole source of electricity supply to their home, then their solar panels will probably have degraded too much by the end of their lifetime to provide enough energy to meet the home’s energy needs.
For a solar panel investment to pay itself off, solar panels have to produce energy for about five to 10 years.
The power output of solar panels depends on several factors:
- Model type
- How much sun they get
- How dirty the panels are
- Weather
The solar modules are just one piece of the solar system, however. There are additional components of the solar panel such as the solar battery and the solar inverter, which both have lifespans that only last about half as long as the panel. A solar battery’s lifespan is particularly dependent on the type and quality of the battery.
| Solar Panel Component | Lifespan |
| Solar Panel | 25 to 30 years |
| Solar Inverter | 10 to 15 years |
| Solar Battery | 3 to 30 years |
Which Solar Panels Last the Longest?
Like with any other kind of product, higher-quality materials perform the best and last the longest. Certain types of solar panels have longer lifespans than others.
Brand and model type greatly influence how long a solar panel lasts. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline last the longest. Thin-film panels don’t have long lifespans, but they are less expensive and the most mobile.
Monocrystalline
Lifespan: 25 to 50 years
Monocrystalline panels are known for lasting the longest. Most commercial and residential properties use monocrystalline panels, which are quality panels constructed with the highest grade of silicon crystals.
With a 24% energy conversion rate, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient panels and produce the most energy.
Polycrystalline
Lifespan: 25 to 35 years
Polycrystalline panels are a multi-crystal panel with warranties that cover them for 25 years. Their efficiency rate is 20%, lower than monocrystalline panels. On the plus side, they are less expensive and also the strongest type of solar panel.
Passive Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC)
Lifespan: 25 years or more
PERC panels are a type of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panel that is designed to have better efficiency than other types of solar panels. Typically they are over 1% more efficient than traditional silicon solar panels.
Due to their impressive energy efficiency, PERC panels typically take up less space, as homeowners don’t need as many of them to power their house.
Thin-film
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Known for their flexibility and mobility, thin-film panels are a more affordable option, although the lower price means lower quality materials and shorter lifespans. Thin-film panels lack the efficiency of other solar panels, as their energy efficiency rate is 19%.
Also unlike monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, thin-film are not made with silicon crystals. Instead, thin-film panels are made with:
- Amorphous silicon
- Cadmium telluride
- Copper indium gallium selenide
They weigh much less than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Considering the name, it’s no surprise that thin-film panels are significantly thinner than other types of solar panels. In fact, they are 350 times thinner than other panel types.
Thin-film panels are versatile and can be used on RVs and boats, as well as residential and commercial buildings.
Solar Shingles
Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
Solar panels aren’t the only way for homeowners to convert sunlight into electricity for their homes. Solar shingles are like a blend of solar panels and traditional asphalt shingle roofing.
They look like a regular roofing material but they function as a PV system, converting sunlight into usable energy that powers your home.
Solar shingles are integrated with traditional asphalt roofing materials and can be installed at the same time as your roof. Solar shingles don’t require a mounting rack but are directly installed onto the roof decking.
Solar shingles have the same life expectancy as solar panels. Also like PV systems, solar shingles slowly degrade over time after they are installed.
Why Do Solar Panels Degrade?
Solar panels naturally lose efficiency over time, but what factors contribute to degradation and decreasing a solar panel’s productivity?
- Weather exposure
- UV exposure
- Soiling
- Power loss
- Junction box and cable failure
- Optical failure
- Low-quality materials
- Broken or cracked glass
- Micro-cracks
- Discoloration
Soiling is when your solar panels get dirty. A dirty surface inhibits a solar panel’s ability to absorb sunlight. Dirty glass surfaces cause solar panels to underperform. It can decrease a panel’s lifespan if dirt or other debris make its way into cracks, which can cause system failure.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Solar Panel?
To get the most out of your solar panels, it is important to know what factors decrease their lifespan. Here are a few things that directly impact their lifespan:
Installation
First, solar panels must be properly installed to function well. Poorly installed solar panels could result in loose wiring or other issues that will shorten panels’ lifespans and degrade the panels faster. It also may lead to your panels requiring serious repair.
Quality of Materials
Monocrystalline panels are regarded as the best type of solar panels, as they use high-quality materials. As a result, they don’t degrade as quickly and last longer than low-quality panels.
While high-quality materials cost more, they also perform better and the benefits may be worth the higher cost in the long run.
Condition of Roof
It’s best to install solar panels on either a new roof or one that is relatively new. If you have a roof that is old and near the end of its lifespan, it’s best to replace your roof first and then install the solar panels on top.
If you install panels on an old or damaged roof, then when you have to replace your aging roof you will have to pay for the additional expenses of removing and reinstalling your solar array.
Aside from that, solar panels are heavy equipment and a roof that is weak and sagging with age will likely not be able to support them. Before you install solar panels, have your roof inspected for damage and give it any necessary repairs.
Local Weather
Some areas of the country face rough weather conditions. If you live in a harsh environment that often experiences extreme weather, your solar panels might not last as long as if you lived in a more mild climate. Conditions that may shorten the lifespan of your solar panel include:
- Blizzards
- Extreme temperatures
- Hail
- Heavy rain
- High winds
- Humidity
- Hurricanes
- Lightning
- Salt
- Sand
- Snow
- UV exposure
Freezing temperatures can damage solar panels, while extremely hot temperatures cause panels to overheat. Extreme heat also can cause hot spots, which is what happens when a section of the solar panel overheats and results in damaging the panels. Any temperature-related damage contributes to shortening a solar panel’s lifespan.
Although a module’s job is to absorb sunlight, it’s an ironic truth that solar panels degrade due to abrasive UV rays.
Maintenance
Maintenance and cleaning affect how long solar panels last, as dirt and dust might degrade a panel. Not only does this decrease a panel’s efficiency rate, it can shorten the overall lifespan of the solar panel.
Therefore, regular cleanings and maintenance are important for solar panels if homeowners want their solar panels to last as long as possible.
How Do You Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels?
If you want your solar panels to last, stay on top of maintenance to keep your solar panel systems safe. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your solar panels.
Trim Tree Branches
Always trim overgrown tree branches away from your roof, since falling branches can damage not only your solar panels but your roof as well. Falling branches can crack or shatter the glass of your solar panel or poke holes in your roof. Large limbs can completely destroy your system and your roof.
Clean Panels Regularly
It is recommended that homeowners clean their solar panels one to two times a year. Areas of the country with more dust, dirt, and pollen may require solar panels to be cleaned more frequently.
Dirt and sand left on a panel’s glass surface can aggravate the glass and cause scratches and micro-cracks if allowed to sit too long. Regular scheduled cleanings boost the panel’s energy output, since soiling on a panel can reduce its productivity by 10% to 30%.
You can clean your solar panels with lukewarm water and a vinegar solution. For safety reasons, always clean your panels from the ground. If you’d rather not mess with cleaning your panels, the best and safest option is to hire a professional instead.
For a more tech-savvy method, you can install automatic cleaning robots on your roof with your PV system. These automatic cleaning systems can be programmed to regularly clean your solar panels.
Do Regular Maintenance
Solar panels are durable, but even they get broken or busted from time to time. Loose connections, cracked panels, and broken glass are some of the most common repairs.
If there is an issue with your solar panels, deal with it quickly. Stay on top of solar panel cleaning and repairs. Don’t allow your PV system to fall into disrepair because it could be very costly to repair or replace.
Your panels should be inspected once a year. Every time there is a severe storm in your area, check the solar panels and make sure their energy production levels are still good.
Hire a Reputable Contractor
Before your solar panel installation, it’s important to pick a good, reputable contractor for the job. Improperly installed panels cause problems later down the road because they usually need repairs and don’t last as long.
Before you hire a solar panel contractor, do your research to make sure the contractor is properly licensed, insured, and has years of solar experience.
Prevent Wildlife
Solar panels provide shelter for birds as well as a warm place for them to lay their eggs. Birds are messy and bird droppings block panels from absorbing sunlight, which decreases solar productivity. A dirty surface can also decrease a solar panel’s lifespan.
To prevent birds or squirrels from turning your solar panels into their home, you can purchase net wire to block wildlife from nesting around your solar panels.
When Should You Replace Solar Panels?
There are many components to solar systems: the panels, the inverter, and the battery. Eventually they all degrade and will stop working, but when is the right time to replace them?
When to Replace Solar Panels
Solar panels should be replaced every 25 to 30 years, depending on their condition and how much their productivity has degraded since installation.
However, just because a solar panel reaches the end of its lifespan doesn’t mean it abruptly stops working. In fact, some solar panels last 30, 40, or 50 years if properly maintained.
The catch is that since panels degrade over time, they only perform at about 80% of what they were originally producing when they were first installed. Although they will still work after their lifespan expires, they won’t generate as much electricity as when they were new.
If your solar panels are still producing enough energy for your home even after reaching the end of its life expectancy, keep using them. But once a solar panel’s energy output isn’t enough for your home’s electricity needs, you should replace them.
When to Replace a Solar Inverter
You will have to replace the solar inverter at least once during the lifetime of your solar array, as solar inverters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Solar inverters are one of the most critical components of a solar system, since it transforms direct current (DC) energy into alternative current (AC) energy for use in your home.
To prolong your solar inverter’s life, have your solar inverter installed somewhere protected from direct sunlight and humidity. Solar inverters should be stored in a place with good ventilation.
Also, regularly clean the system. Simply removing the dust with a soft cloth should do the trick.
When to Replace a Solar Battery
Not every solar panel array has a solar battery. For solar systems that have battery storage, solar batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy and save it for a cloudy day.
Like solar inverters, solar batteries don’t last quite as long as solar panels, just five to 15 years. Most companies offer 10-year warranties. Solar batteries degrade and lose their ability to store energy over time, so when they reach the end of their life expectancy, you should replace them.
How long a solar battery lasts depends on the type:
| Type of Battery | Lifespan |
| Flow batteries | 15 to 25 years |
| Lead-acid batteries | 3 to 7 years |
| Lithium-ion batteries | 10 to 15 years |
| Nickel batteries | 15 to 30 years |
| Saltwater batteries | 10 to 14 years |
Lithium-ion batteries are higher-quality batteries that last longer than other types of solar batteries.
Although they are less expensive, lead-acid batteries are one of the shortest-lived solar batteries.
Here are some things that decrease a solar battery’s lifespan:
- Extreme temperatures. In areas with extreme temperatures, store your solar battery in locations with mild temperatures, such as the garage or basement. Certain types of batteries perform better in certain temperatures than others. For example, lithium-ion batteries perform better in freezing temperatures than other types of solar batteries.
- Usage. The more frequently a battery is used and charged, the faster its lifespan will decrease.
- Maintenance. Like with every other component of a solar system, solar batteries require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Staying on top of repairs and cleanings.
Warranties
Most companies offer 25-year warranties for solar panels.
Most home insurance policies will cover rooftop solar panels, since solar panels permanently mounted on your roof are generally considered as part of your house. However, they may increase the price of your insurance. In certain cases, solar panels might require a separate policy.
Insurance usually covers damage for your solar panels due to hazards such as:
- Hail
- Falling tree branches
- Fire
- Lightning
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Water
- Wind
- Snow and ice
Don’t void your warranty. Some things that can potentially void your warranty are:
- Installing the solar panels yourself
- Hiring an unregistered contractor to install your panels
- Hiring an unlicensed worker to fix your panels
- Hiring a different company from the original solar provider or installer to do repairs
- Repairing the solar panels without the company’s authorization
- Failing to regularly clean your solar panels
- Improperly cleaning the panels with harmful chemicals or cleaning tools
- Tampering with the solar panels without the company’s knowledge
- Walking on a solar panel
Solar panels have both performance warranties and equipment warranties.
A performance warranty is, as the name implies, a manufacturer’s warranty guaranteeing the panel’s performance. Performance warranties guarantee a solar panel will perform above 90% efficiency for the first 10 years after its installation and perform at least 80% efficiency rates for the first 25 years of its lifespan.
A product warranty is a guarantee for the integrity of the equipment itself. They guarantee that the solar panel will perform at an expected industry standard. Product warranties cover any manufacturing defects, bad workmanship, or premature wear. Under product warranties, the manufacturer will repair, refund, or replace the damaged solar panel.
FAQs About How Long Do Solar Panels Last
Never walk on solar panels otherwise it will damage them and it may void the warranty. Solar panels are made of glass and their surface can crack or break under pressure. They are not designed for foot traffic.
Solar panels are not completely recyclable, although they contain certain materials that can be recycled. The problem is that recycling panels is very difficult and expensive.
Unfortunately, most solar panels end up in landfills. Approximately 10% of solar panels are recycled in the U.S. The lack of ability to recycle solar panels is currently a waste problem, as solar panels contain toxic waste.
Rain helps keep solar panels clean by washing off dirt and debris. However, rain can’t wash off all debris, since some debris – like bird poop – requires more force to wash it off. Eventually, solar panels will need to be manually cleaned.
Try a Renewable Energy Source
If you don’t have solar panels already, consider using an eco-friendly source of clean energy. At the current rate of consumption, fossil fuels are predicted to run out by 2060. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power is a renewable energy source since sunlight will never run out.
If you are ready to go green, don’t hesitate to find a local solar panel company near you and get your own solar array installed on your home.
Main Photo by: Rawpixel
