When considering a solar panel installation, one of the top questions we get asked is “How long can I expect solar panels to keep working?”
While a residential solar system might be about the environmental benefits for some people, but for most people, it’s also the savings that are possible. For this reason, people are concerned whether the investment in a home solar panel system is worth it.
What is the Lifespan of Solar Panels?
When looking at different brands of solar panels, you will notice a similarity. Almost every solar manufacturer offers a 25-year standard solar panel warranty. This means that power output should not be less than 80% of rated power after 25 years.
This is quite impressive when you think about it. How many other types of technology can you find with a 25-year guarantee?
Some solar panels last beyond 40 years
Solar panels are still a reasonably new technology, with their popularity starting in the late 1970s or early 1980s. This means that today most solar panels are within the 25 year age range, and some being up to 35-40 years old.
The good news is that experts are finding most solar systems are outperforming all expectations, lasting between 25-40 years.
The results of 2012 studies are showing that solar panels are only losing approximately 0.5% amount of efficiency annually, meaning if you install solar panels they could last as long as initially expected.
When you combine this long-term lastability with incentives such as net metering or government rebates, it is easy to see why so many homeowners are choosing to install solar photovoltaic panels in their homes.
