Solar panels are an excellent method to lower your energy costs and carbon footprint. But how long do solar panels last? The lifespan of a solar panel depends on several factors, such as the type of solar panel, the location where it is installed, and the amount of maintenance it receives. Most solar panels have a warranty of 20 to 25 years. However, some solar panels have been known to last much longer.
What are solar panels?
Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to generate electricity, either for your home or business. But how long do they last?
Most solar panels have a warranty of 20-25 years, and after that, they should still be generating electricity, just at a lower efficiency. So, a solar panel could last 40 years or more. Additionally, solar panels are made up of modules that can be replaced if necessary.
The lifespan of a solar panel also depends on the environment it’s in. If it’s in a hot and sunny location, it will degrade faster than if it’s in a cool and shady location. Solar panels in the desert Southwest, for example, will not last as long as those in the Pacific Northwest.
Therefore, if you’re considering switching to solar power, you can be confident that your investment will be profitable for many years to come.
How do solar panels work?
Photovoltaic cells found in solar panels are what turn sunlight into electricity. They are made of silicon, a material that is found in sand and has a conductive property. When sunlight hits the silicon cell, it creates an electrical field. This field causes electrons to flow from the silicon atom to the metal contact on the solar cell. The solar panel produces direct current (DC) electricity, which can be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter. Solar panels have no moving parts and are maintenance-free.
The average lifespan of a solar panel
Solar panels are designed to last for many years, with most manufacturers offering a 25-year warranty on their products. However, the average lifespan of a solar panel is actually closer to 30-40 years. This means that your solar panels will likely outlast you!
Maintaining your solar panels
Despite the fact that solar panels are made to endure for many years, ultimately they will need to be replaced. The average solar panel lifespan is 20-25 years. However, some solar panels may last much longer, and some may only last a few years.
There are several things you can do to help extend the life of your solar panels:
-Keep them clean: Dust, dirt, and bird droppings can all reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the panel and decrease its power output. Regularly cleaning your panels will help keep them working at peak efficiency.
-Avoid shading: Shading from trees or buildings can also reduce power output. If possible, try to keep your panels in an open area where they will receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
-Inspect them regularly: Periodically check your panels for damage such as cracks or loose connections. These can be repaired relatively easily and will help prevent more serious problems down the road.
Replacing your solar panels
Most solar panels come with a 20-25 year warranty, meaning that you can expect them to last at least that long. However, many panels will continue to produce electricity for 30-40 years or more.
If your solar panel does stop working, it is likely due to a problem with the inverter, which can be easily replaced. In rare cases, a whole panel may need to be replaced. Your solar company should be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and determine if a replacement is necessary.
Conclusion
Solar panels are an increasingly popular
way to generate energy, but how long do they actually last? The average solar panel has a lifespan of 20-25 years, but this can vary depending on the quality of the panel and the conditions it is exposed to. With proper maintenance, solar panels can last even longer, making them a wise investment for those looking for a clean and renewable source of energy. Checkout the Solar panel installation in Brisbane by Speedy Solar.
