HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST?

One of the most common questions in the solar industry is “how long do solar panels last before it’s time to get new ones?” To help answer this question we will be discussing the length of time a solar panel will last on average, and what steps you can take to maximize your panels’ lifespan to its highest potential.

As each day passes, the time and technology that goes into producing solar panels have undoubtedly progressed, and as a result, it is not unheard of for solar panels to last about 25 years on average. However, as with anything, it comes down to what your return on investment is going to be and this is what makes solar panels worth it. Now, let’s look at a couple of ways to maximize your panels’ lifespan.

The often-overlooked way to preserve your panels is to clean them at least once a month properly. Simply rinsing them off with water and wiping them down will do the trick and will maintain their overall power efficiency. Another thing is to keep it clear of trees to protect the panels’ performance (shading) and integrity, from falling branches or other debris. The third thing you can do is to routinely test your panels to see if they are operating at their specified parameters.

Unfortunately, we can’t leave out the inevitable. No matter the brand of panels you choose, all panels will lose roughly 0.5% of energy production yearly. However, this is a relatively small amount that when spread out over 20 years means that your panels will still produce 90% of their original energy when brand new.

As we close out this blog, it’s important to remember that your mileage may vary when it comes to your solar panels as it all depends on how you take care of them. By maintaining them at the proper intervals, you can easily extend the life of your panels and preserve its overall efficiency. Solar panels are not just a product, but an investment, given their many uses and applications.

If you have any questions regarding how to maintain your solar panels further, feel free to contact our support team and we’ll assist you every step of the way.