How Long Do Solar Panels Last? A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning on getting a solar panel?
Solar panels allow you to achieve large quantities of clean energy. It offers homeowners reduced carbon emission and electrical costs. However, there are some factors to consider before installing one.
One of these factors is knowing how long do solar panels last. After all, they’re an investment paying in dividends. To explain further, here is our guide explaining the lifespan of a solar panel.
Read on and learn the expected lifespan of a solar power system:
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
The average lifespan of a solar panel ranges from 25 to 30 years. However, some solar panels continue to work longer.
Remember, the solar panel’s life expectancy doesn’t always mean they will stop working as soon as it passes. It only means the amount of energy they produce will slowly decrease over time. It’s what most experts refer to as the degradation rate.
The rate varies depending on the specific panel. In general, the types of solar panels with higher quality have a slower degradation rate. The opposite holds with their low-quality counterpart.
Degradation plays an essential component when doing a solar panel comparison. As a basis, choose a solar panel with .50% degradation since it’s the average rate. When a solar panel’s degradation rate is lower, it produces more energy over its lifespan.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Aging
Take note, the degradation rate assumes the panel system operates in average conditions. Some factors can hasten the degradation process. Here are some factors affecting the lifespan of solar panels.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are the prevalent cause of solar panels’ shortened lifespan. These factors can have various effects, from microcracks to bending from extreme weather.
Solar panels often resist these effects, but they aren’t fully immune. As long the solar panels are of good quality, you won’t have much of a problem.
Heat Build up
Solar panels aren’t as efficient when working in places with high temperatures. Once installed in a hot region, it often builds up inner heat faster. It later reduces the power output of the panel by 10% to 25%.
Age
Age is a continuous factor you can’t easily treat. As the solar panel gets older, it produces less energy, decreasing its performance. It’s inevitable, and your goal is to delay it for as long as possible.
Extending Solar Panel Life
Solar panels will always wear down, but you can call experts to maintain them regularly. These checkups will prolong the solar panel’s lifespan. You get more tips by visiting blueravensolar.com/illinois/.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Learn Before Getting One Today!
We hope this guide helped in knowing how long do solar panels last. Don’t let the wrong panel ruin your chance to use solar energy. Get a solar panel and install it to enjoy the benefits immediately.
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