How long do solar panels last?

No, 25-30 years is just the typical benchmark for guaranteed performance. Solar panels will continue to produce after the 30 year mark, albeit at a lower rate each year due to a process called degradation. For homeowners, that means that after three decades a solar system may not produce enough electricity to meet the goals it was designed for.

How long does a solar system last?

Everybody’s solar system is different, but most systems can be expected to last at least 25-30 years before performance degrades significantly. With the average payback period around 8 years, that’s more than enough time for a system to pay itself off several times over.

How long do solar inverters last?

These may incur damage from weather elements. Solar inverters generally last 10 to 15 years. This shortened lifespan is due to how hard inverters continually work to convert energy from the solar panels into usable electricity for your home. On average, solar inverters cost $1,000 to $2,000 to replace.

Are solar panels durable?

Solar panels are generally very durable. Most solar panels are designed and tested to withstand the elements like hail, high winds, and heavy snow loads. And thanks to their lack of moving parts, solar panel systems usually require little to no maintenance. Still, maintaining your solar panels can boost production.

Do solar panels expire?

There is technically no expiration date on solar panels. However, over time, they naturally tend to become less efficient at producing energy. Some panels can also break due to physical damage from extreme weather conditions.

How often do solar panels degrade?

The average degradation rate for solar panels is about 0.5% per year. This means that after 20 years, a panel should still be operating at about 90% of its original efficiency. However, this rate can increase slightly over time, particularly in hot climates. What Factors Influence Solar Panel Degradation?