With conversations surrounding sustainability and concerns for the environment hitting the headlines more frequently, it’s no surprise that more of us are becoming interested in the alternative forms of energy that are available to us. Solar panels are one of the most popular forms of sustainable energy production for a number of reasons, with the fact that maintenance is minimal being particularly attractive to many.
It’s important to do plenty of research ahead of any investment and if you’re considering making the switch to a more sustainable source of energy, it is vital to consider the upfront costs and understand how long you can expect your investment to last. So, to help you with your research, we’ve put together some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the longevity of solar panels and the steps you can take to extend their lifespan.
What Is The Typical Lifespan Of Residential Solar Panels?
As solar technologies have improved, so too has the typical lifespan of solar panels. Typically, you can expect solar panels to last for at least 25 years before any signs of degradation start to become apparent. In fact, some solar panels that were installed during the 1980s are still functioning well to this day, which highlights the impressive longevity of this sustainable technology.
There has been plenty of investment in solar technology in recent years, so some of the newer solar panels on the market have even longer expected lifespans, with some even offering lifespans of up to 50 years. Clearly, solar panels with longer lifespans will command higher prices, so the length of time you can expect your solar panel system to last does, at least in part, depend on how much you are prepared to invest. But with that said, even solar panels with a 25 to 30-year lifespan can help you save a significant amount of money on your energy bills, particularly if your system includes a battery that can store the energy generated by your panels for use outside of daylight hours.
Why Do Solar Panels Degrade Over Time?
As is the case with most technologies, it is natural that solar panels will start to degrade and produce less energy as they age. This reduction in energy production is referred to as a degradation rate. There are a number of reasons why degradation occurs, including:
1. Age: General wear and tear can result in corrosion of the frame, hardening of the crystalline silicon, and cell contamination.
2. Thermal: Temperature changes can cause the panels to contract and expand, leading to micro-cracks that can reduce efficiency.
3. UV exposure: Radiation from the sun can lead to the deterioration of the panel’s encapsulation material.
4. Climate: High temperatures aren’t the only climate-related event that can cause solar panels to degrade. Everything from high winds to hail and rain storms can lead to damage.
Generally speaking, the median degradation rate of solar panels is 0.5%, which means that it is reasonable to expect that the energy production offered by your solar panels will reduce by about 0.5% each year. While this might sound like a lot, to put this in some context, at this rate, you can expect your solar panels to still be producing 90% of their optimal output 20 years after installation.
What Can I Do To Extend The Efficiency Of My Solar Panels?
There are a number of factors that can impact the lifespan of your solar panel system, many of which are within your control. So, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Keep Solar Panels Clean
The efficiency of your solar panels can be compromised by the build-up of surface debris, such as fallen leaves, dirt and pollen. Although natural rainfall is generally enough to keep your panels clean, it is beneficial to periodically check that your panels are free from dirt and debris, particularly if you have noticed an otherwise unexplained reduction in the amount of energy your panels are generating.
Perform Regular Maintenance Checks
From checking that no damage has occurred to your panels to ensuring that your inverter, meters and other elements of your system are functioning at optimal levels, organising regular maintenance checks can help you to catch any issues early and prevent them from developing into more significant problems.
Invest in High-Quality Panels
Solar panels are no small investment, so it’s important to partner with a trusted installation team who will work with you to source the highest quality panels within your budget. Green Flare is committed to providing its customers with high-quality, durable solar panels and has a dedicated support team on hand to maximise the lifespan of every installation.
The quality of the installation of your solar panels can also impact their longevity and efficiency. Well-installed solar panels are able to withstand an array of weather events and will be ideally positioned to capture and convert as much sunlight as possible into electricity.
Do Solar Panels Come With Warranties?
Your solar panels should come with both a manufacturer's warranty and an installation warranty. While most solar panels come with a standard warranty, some manufacturers also offer extended warranties that can provide extra peace of mind.
In some cases, the length of your manufacturer's warranty and your installation warranty will not be equal, so it is important to establish with your team who will be responsible should an issue occur when one warranty has expired but the other is still valid.
Here at Green Flare, we’re proud to provide lengthy warranties and unmatched aftercare to our customers. This includes a 20-25 year warranty on solar panels and a 10-year warranty on inverters and battery storage. Additionally, our Stiebel Eltron heat pumps now come with a 7 year parts and labour warranty.
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