South Carolina has enough solar power to power over 200,000 homes, as more and more residents are taking up solar. However, many still have questions about how long solar panels last given how big of an investment they are.
So how long do solar panels last? And what factors affect the best solar panels’ longevity?
That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out more about how long home solar panels last.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last on Average?
It’s important to preface this by saying that different solar panels have different lifespans. One home’s solar panel system might have a drastically different longevity scale than another system.
That being said, most solar panels last anywhere between 25 and 30 years. This doesn’t mean that your panels will completely break down after 25 years either.
Rather, after 25 years you’ll start to see your panels decline their energy production from what manufacturers see as an efficient amount. After a few decades, panels remain extremely useful even at a less-optimal capacity.
A lot of this has to do with the fact that solar panels don’t have a lot of moving parts. Less internal parts mean fewer chances something will break during operation.
Panel Degradation Rate
When people ask “how long do solar panels last,” they’ll usually be directed to something called a panel degradation rate. This is the rate at which a solar panel system will lose its overall effectiveness.
A study found that this degradation rate is about 0.8% on average for most solar panels. As the years have gone on, the degradation rate for some manufacturers is as low as 0.3% a year.
To put this into perspective, a solar panel system with a panel degradation rate of 0.8% will see its effectiveness go from 100% upon installation to 99.2% percent effectiveness the next year.
What About Warranties?
There are also plenty of warranties to provide consumer safety blankets in case something breaks down in your solar panel system. There are equipment and performance warranties available.
Most performance warranties last about 25 years. This is also the overall timeline for how long your panels will perform at maximum efficiency.
How Can You Make Residential Solar Panels Last Longer?
As we stated earlier, there’s not a lot of maintenance or repairs required for most solar panel systems. The best you can do is make sure that there aren’t any obstructions or debris hitting your panels.
You can also ensure longevity by choosing the best solar panel provider. Having someone who knows what they’re doing install your panels with the right system is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best solar energy.
This is all to say that solar panels give you a great deal even over time. If you want reliable solar panel services in South Carolina, you can save with Blue Raven.
Understanding Life Span of Solar Panels
Solar panels are incredibly efficient investments because you can plenty of use out of them even after several decades of operation. Use this guide to help you answer the question: “how long do solar panels last?”
For more informative articles on solar power and other topics, check out the rest of our site!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
