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How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- September 28, 2023
One of the main benefits of residential solar panels is their long lifespan. Most solar panels are warranted for 25 years, and they typically last for much longer than that!
Long lifespan, combined with low maintenance requirements, make solar panels a good investment that will save you money for decades.
Keep reading to learn more about solar panel lifespan and how you can make sure your solar panels last as long as possible.
Solar Panels Degrade Very Slowly
Solar panels don’t die outright. Instead, they experience a slow but continuous reduction in output, which eventually leads to their retirement. This is known as degradation.
Solar panels degrade very slowly; studies show that solar panel output typically drops by less than 1% per year. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the median degradation rate of solar PV panels is just 0.5 percent. This slow rate makes solar panel degradation virtually undetectable during their first several years of operation. A solar panel with a 0.5% degradation rate will produce about 90% of the electricity that it produced in year one in year 20.
All solar panels experience degradation, no matter how well-made they are, but higher-quality panels have lower degradation rates. As a Solar Power Pros customer, you won’t have to worry about fast solar panel degradation. We install premium solar panels that will perform optimally for decades, and we back them with a 25-year warranty.
Quality Installation Leads to Longer Lifespan!
Solar panels need unobstructed sunlight access to work, which means they are constantly exposed to the elements. Heat, wind, and snow can impact solar panel performance and speed up degradation. But proper installation methods will minimize the impact of weather on your solar panel’s longevity. For example, your solar panels need to be installed a few inches above your roof to create space for airflow. The airflow underneath your panels will cool the equipment and prevent heat-related issues.
Solar Power Pros is a highly experienced Colorado solar installer. Our installation methods are centered on performance and durability to ensure your solar panels produce as much electricity as possible for as long as possible. We stand behind our work and back it with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Longer Solar Panel Lifespan Leads to Greater ROI
The longer your solar panels last, the more years of power generation you’ll have and the greater your return on investment will be—every year your solar panels last after you break even adds to your return on investment.
How to Make Your Solar Panels Last Longer
The best way to extend the life expectancy of your solar panels is to keep them maintained. Thankfully, solar panel maintenance is easy. With minimal upkeep, your solar panels will last for 25-30 years or longer.
Here are a few tips for solar panel maintenance in Colorado:
- Clean your solar panels once a year
- Keep overhanging trees trimmed back away from your panels
- Monitor your system’s output and call us if you notice a drop
Solar Power Pros is a highly experienced, locally owned solar installer in Colorado. We’ve been in business for over a decade and have installed hundreds of solar energy systems. If you’re interested in solar panels and want to get the facts from a reliable company before you commit, give us a call. We offer no-pressure virtual consultations so you can get answers to all of your questions and decide whether solar is worth it for your home.
