How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels have a life span of around 25 years or more, but this can vary depending on what they're made from and when they were installed. According to experts, some of the latest models of solar panels that are being installed today could have a useful life of 40 years or more.

How much do solar panels deteriorate a year?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been tracking degradation rates for the last several years as part of its Photovoltaic (PV) Lifetime Project. NREL’s findings indicate that solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year.

Do solar panels stop working after 25 years?

After 25 years, solar panels will be less efficient and produce less power. This doesn’t mean your solar panels will stop working, but they may be less effective at powering your home and lowering your energy savings. When panels degrade to the point where they no longer produce power, they’re ready to be recycled.

Why do solar panels lose power over time?

Over time, solar panels lose their ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into solar energy due to factors such as hotter weather and the natural reduction in chemical potency within the panel. This is what is referred to as the “degradation rate”. The lower the degradation rate, the better the panel.

What is the degradation rate of solar panels?

The worst degradation rate is .80% a year, but as a benchmark, you can expect an average degradation rate of .50% a year for any panel. For most Tier 1 solar panels, the degradation rate is .30% meaning that each year, the panels performance is reduced by .30%.

Do solar panels degrade over time?

Heat causes solar panels to degrade over time, so it’s likely that your panels will degrade quicker if you live in a hot climate, as opposed to somewhere colder. Other weather conditions such as hail, humidity and regular strong winds can cause damage to the panels and reduce longevity.