Solar panels are a big investment so it makes sense to consider how long they will actually last. The positive is that for generations most new systems continue to produce power but the bad performance degrades as they age.
Average life expectancy
Some solar panels may continue to function even after 25–30 years. Loose electrical connections not surprisingly cause annual degradation of about 1% and these systems don’t tend to fail spectacularly, they just meander their way down by a couple percent every year. This is called degradation.
In simpler terms, your panels may still be producing power 25+ years into their life cycle, just not the same amount of power they were in year one.
Understanding warranties
There are two common types of warranty associated with solar panels;
Manufacture Warranty: Glass, frame or any other default
Performance: A certain amount of performance is guaranteed after X-year(s)
Make sure you read the T&Cs and retain your paperwork, especially if moving home or looking to get a cheaper deal elsewhere. For Dorset Solar Panels, visit solarpanelsdorset.co.uk/solar-panels
On the other hand, inverters and batteries have a more limited lifespan compared to panels themselves and are replaced earlier.
What You Really Have to Do: Maintenance
Apart from being low maintenance, solar panels should be cleaned around once every twelve months or so.
Monitor App – Check for output dips with updates on your monitoring app.
Cut back trees if they get shadier over the years.
If you see any cracked glass, loose wiring or water ingress, arrange an inspection.
If panels are exposed to heavy soiling (near trees, farms or busy roads) it might be worth getting them professionally cleaned more regularly.
A properly-installed system, maintained yet checked occasionally would keep you in the savings game for years to come.