Solar panels offer homeowners a great way to reduce their carbon footprint. Most photovoltaic solar panels to last 25 years before they degrade. Most solar panel companies will provide a standard 25-year warranty for the expected life expectancy of the solar panels.
What is ‘solar panel degradation rate’?
Over time, solar panels lose their ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into solar energy due to factors such as hot weather and the natural reduction in chemical potency within the panel.
The lower the degradation rate, the better the panel. When a solar panel has a lower degradation rate, it will produce more energy over its lifetime.
Degradation rates vary from one brand to another; higher-quality panels have a lower degradation rate versus lower-quality panels.
Do solar panels go bad?
Solar over time tend to become less efficient at producing energy.
The good news is, a 25 year standard warranty should cover all weather damage to solar panels. Each solar panel manufacturer offers different warranty guarantees, so be sure to read the fine print to make sure your panels are covered under any condition.
When to consider replacing your solar panels
Many solar companies offer apps or physical trackers that monitor your solar electricity generation monthly or even daily. Having a grasp of the typical amount of the energy output of your panels will help you notice if something is off.
When your panels are no longer producing the amount of electricity your home needs, it becomes time to replace them.
Can you extend the lifespan of a solar panel?
Solar panels are generally pretty easy to maintain because they are built to withstand weather events like snow, hail and wind
- Work with a reputable solar installer that provides routine maintenance checks. Maintenance checks can alert you to any quality degradation in the panels, any issues with the racking attached to the roof and whether or not the inverter is hooked up property. Assuring that the system is working smoothly will help solar panels function at their best.
- Keep your panels clean by washing them with water if they are dirty. If left on the panel for too long, dust or sand can cause microcracks and scratches on the solar panel. If left unchecked, these cracks can multiply and break the panel.
- Remove any debris like fallen tree branches and snow loads. Fallen branches or hail can cause even more damage than dust or sand because they put more pressure on the panel. Falling branches can break panels outright, but small branches left on panels can also cause scratches and apply a lot of weight to panels if they pile up.
- If snow is left on the panels, it can freeze and cause the panels to get microcracks from extreme cold.
