Solar panels are very durable. But to get the most bang for your buck, you want it to last as long as possible.
Solar energy for our homes once seemed like science fiction. Even in the last decade, the chance to see a house covered with solar panels was rare. But thanks to the rapid advancement of technology and falling prices, that has changed.
Solar panels can now cost $20,000 or less after new federal tax credits. This means that the possibility of switching to clean energy is possible.
"Since I started in 2008, costs have come down about 90 percent," Chris Delaine, a research engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, told CNET.
But solar panels are still an expensive investment, and you want to be sure that the investment will pay for itself years from now.
So how long can contractors expect their solar panels to last, and how can they ensure maximum life for their investment? The list of factors to consider is not very long.
Best Solar Companies of 2023: Check Out CnetHow long do solar panels usually last?
With installation costs of $20,000 or more, you want your solar panels to last more than a few years. The good news is that they do.
Delain says most solar panels are designed to last for decades, and a reputable installer should offer a warranty of 25 years or more.
"In the whole system, probably some of the most durable and long-lasting components are the solar panels," he said. "They often have a 25-year warranty. Also, the materials they're made from, especially aluminum and glass, can last a long time, sometimes 30, 40 or 50 years."
Often, if something goes wrong, it's in the electrical components of the system. Delaine says that in many cases, problems like problems with the system's power inverter, which converts DC power to AC power, can be easily replaced without even installing the panel. In other cases, individual electronic components in the panel can be repaired or replaced so that the panel will continue to function for years into the future.
What affects the life of solar panels?
Solar panels are generally not very fragile, so there is not much impact on their lifespan.
Delaine said solar panel components degrade very slowly, meaning they will remain functional throughout their life cycle. Between normal wear and tear on electrical components and the formation of micro-cracks on the panel's surface, he said, experts typically expect a half-percentage-point drop each year. This means that if a panel sits on a roof for 20 years under normal conditions, it can still be expected to operate at 90% of its original capacity.
Of course, the solar system could end soon due to natural disasters. Events such as lightning, lightning or storms can cause damage that more durable panels cannot withstand. But still, most panels hold. They go through an extensive testing process before being sold, including hailstones up to 1.5 inches in diameter, alternating high and low temperatures, and cooking in heat and humidity for 2,000 hours.
Which solar panels last the longest?
In today's solar panel industry, there isn't much room to differentiate between different types of solar panels, making your choice easy.
"I'm hesitant to say one panel will last longer than the other," says Delain. "The panels will be almost identical. The difference will be if the manufacturer has a good understanding of quality control and their manufacturing chemistry and technology."
This makes it important to make sure your system is installed by a reputable source. The rise of federal solar incentives, solar lease programs, solar loan offers and solar rebates have flooded the market with less attractive systems. Deline advises interested buyers to do their research, get some deals and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Should I replace my roof before buying solar panels?
Before installing solar panels you may be asked if you need a special roof. The good news is that by 2023, few common roofs will need to install solar panels.
Delaine says unless you have a roof designed for an overweight aesthetic, or if your home's design means it can't handle a lot of weight, a typical home should be fine for solar panels. . Your installer will also check the condition of your roof to ensure it is durable.
"In general, your installer should know just by looking at it," he says. "But if your roof is a total mess, it's probably not worth it."
How to make solar panels last longer
So how do solar system contractors ensure that their panels last the 25 year warranty? Here are some ways to maximize the life of your solar system, according to DeLine.
Use a trusted installer
Since these panels will last more than two decades in your home, be sure to research who installed your system. Delaine says finding a reliable installer is the most important step in the process "ever," and getting it wrong can lead to major headaches.
Track your usage
That may seem obvious, but Delaine cautions that those who own solar systems need to monitor how much they produce. This is because the system often has a kill switch that even an expert can easily turn off. And if you accidentally shut down your system, you could lose days or weeks of productivity.
"I have kids and we have big red lock handles," she says. "I came home one day and it was off, and I found out a month ago that my son was playing outside and he pressed a button. If you don't see it, it could be off for a long time."
Keep the dashboard clean
A little dirt and grime won't render your panels unusable, but it's still a good idea to keep them clean. Delain said different types of formations range from dirt to dirt to snow in different parts of the country. With excessive congestion, they will not work effectively. But the good news is that it's as easy as cleaning the panels with a pressure mop. Make sure you don't destroy them.
"You can't walk on them, but other than that they're pretty tough," he says. "You can spray it."