How Long Do Solar Panels Last? A Simple Guide for Homeowners
Did you know there are now enough solar panels in the United States to power 18.6 million homes? Every day more homeowners are learning about both the financial and environmental benefits that come with making the switch to solar.
However, many people remain on the fence about whether or not the technology is right for them. One big concern for these individuals is the lifespan of the solar system.
So, exactly how long do solar panels last? In this article, we’ll dive into this question to give you an idea of how long you can expect your panels to keep working. Let’s get started!
Exactly How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. The truth is it depends on a variety of factors, like the type of solar panels, the environment they’re in, and how they’re set up.
Newer solar panels are built to last a lot longer than some of the older ones. Environmental factors like wind, rain, snow, and intense heat can all speed up the degradation of solar panels too.
As such, panels in environments that have a lot of these weather patterns might notice their panels going bad more quickly. Finally, the way they’re set up can influence the lifespan as well.
The right types of solar installation companies will ensure that your panels will last for years to come. So, is there a ballpark figure in terms of panel lifespan? Well, most panels these days come with a twenty-five-year warranty. And, many continue to be operational for a long time after that.
Does a Solar Panel Go Bad After Its Warranty Ends?
So, if a solar panel comes with a twenty-five-year warranty will it suddenly stop working once it turns twenty-six? Most of the time, the answer is no. Solar panels don’t just break down and fail. Instead, they experience a gradual degradation.
When they’re new solar panels come with a power output of 100%. However, every year they lose around 0.5% of their power output. As such, after twenty-five years a solar panel’s power output will be around 85%.
That doesn’t mean that it’s useless. It just means that it isn’t providing as much energy as it used to. As such, after the twenty-five to thirty-year mark, you can expect your regular power bills to be a little more expensive.
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We hope this article helped answer the question, How long do solar panels last? As you can see, even cheap solar panels come with an impressive lifespan. As long as you take care of them properly, you can expect your system to keep working for decades.
So, if you’re ready to invest in solar panels, then contact an installer today! Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.