Solar panels are expensive, even after a tax credit. But the good news is that they last for a really long time. (We're talking about decades here.) It’s not uncommon for a solar panel to last around 25 years. If you’re planning to get a solar power system installed, or you already have one, you might be wondering, "How can I make sure these things go the distance?"
Thanks to recent developments, solar panels can last a really long time. New systems can come with a 25-year warranty. But the materials used in the panel, glass, and aluminum, are durable enough that they can sometimes last 30, 40, or even 50 years.
What fails is the electrical components, and many times it's the fault of the power inverter—the one that converts DC power to AC power. But this can be replaced without even detaching the panel itself. The solar panel itself is modular, so you can replace individual electronic components that have gone bad. You keep doing this and the panel itself can last for decades to come. (But is it the same solar panel you originally bought, asks Plutarch?)
The elements inside the solar panel degrade quite slowly. Most panels have a degradation rate of around 0.5% a year, and if the degradation is faster, the warranty will cover it. Most panels don’t degrade that quickly. Even at the median rate, your panel should still be producing 90% of its original output after 20 years. The world’s first modern solar panel was still producing energy at the age of 60, at least back in 2010.
Here are a couple of steps you can take to make sure that your solar panels work well past the 25-year mark.
There aren’t many choices when it comes to solar panels. There’s no magic "Pro Max" version of solar cells that’s going to be better for you. Solar panels are all mostly the same.
Instead, you should focus on finding a trustworthy installer. Ask around for a personal recommendation, or look for the best option in your local area. And don’t be afraid to ask questions to figure out if they know what they’re talking about. Consider asking things like:
How long have you been in business?
What components are covered in warranty and for how long?
What happens if a part of my system breaks?
Can you break down the total cost of my system?
How can I track my solar panel performance?
During installation, make sure the panels are installed at the correct angle for optimum electricity generation. Choose an angle that will receive the most amount of sunlight across the year.
A layer of dust will reduce the efficiency of your panels, and over time, it might end up damaging the components as well. Make sure to clean the panels regularly. You can’t walk on the panels, but it’s okay to hose them down. You can also use a push broom to brush away debris—just make sure you don’t apply too much pressure.
To know how the panels are working, you should monitor their power generation from time to time. Solar power systems are passive, and they also have a safety, auto-shut-off switch. This can get tripped during power surges, or your kids might end up doing it accidentally.
It’s better to keep an eye on the telemetric display, to see that the power system is enabled and that it’s generating electricity at a proper, and constant rate. If not, it’s time for a checkup.
While a solar panel will last for 25 years or more, it might not make it if you plan to just leave it on its own for 25 years. The technology associated with the panel, like wires and electrical components, will require care and replacement now and then, so you should sign up for regular inspections of the solar panel system.
