How long do solar panels last?

Residential solar panels are often sold with long-term loans or leases, with homeowners entering contracts of 20 years or more. But how long do panels last, and how resilient are they? Panel life depends on several factors, including climate, module type, and the racking system.

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.

How efficient is a 10 year old solar panel?

Given the typical degradation rate of about 0.5-0.9% per year, a 10-year-old solar panel can be expected to keep 90-95% of its original efficiency. Starting with an efficiency of 20%, it should still deliver around 18-19% efficiency after a decade.

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.

How often do solar panels deteriorate?

All solar panels suffer their highest degradation during the first year of use, where they typically lose between 2% and 3% of their rated capacity. From year 2 onward, the degradation rate of most modules is less than 1% annually, and the best products have a degradation rate as low as 0.25%.

Should I replace my roof after installing solar panels?

The last thing you would want is having to replace your roof after installing solar panels. Removing and reinstalling a solar panel system is a complex procedure, and in many cases, you will void warranties. Ideally, solar panels should be installed on roofs that will not need a replacement during the next 25-30 years.