Solar panels are a hefty investment. Therefore, you want to be sure that your solar panels will last a good while. What is the expected lifespan of solar panels and what should you pay attention to?
Solar panels usually last more than 25 years. In the first 10 years, they deliver maximum efficiency. After that, the efficiency decreases slightly every year, this is called degradation. After 25 years, the efficiency of most solar panels drops to 80% and, depending on the manufacturer, the warranty expires. This can vary per type of solar panel and per provider, so always look carefully at the conditions that apply.
Product warranty
The product warranty, also called manufacturer's warranty, covers the quality and operation of the solar panels. This warranty ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. For inverters, the warranty is usually 5 to 10 years. Optimisers often have a 25-year warranty.
Power guarantee
The power guarantee indicates how much energy a solar panel still produces over time. Manufacturers usually guarantee that their panels will still deliver 80-85% of their original power after 25 years.
So the power output of solar panels gradually decreases over the first 25 years. Some degree of degradation is normal. All panels degrade over their lifetime, but by choosing high-quality solar panels, this degradation is less rapid.
Some types of solar panels can have a degradation rate of up to 1% per year. This means they lose 1% of their original power every year. Other solar panels can have a much lower degradation rate, sometimes less than 0.5% per year. Higher-quality panels with lower degradation may be more expensive initially, but they offer greater returns in the long run.
An inverter ensures that the power generated by solar panels can be used in your home or property. This also has a certain lifespan and you will sometimes need to replace it. An inverter usually lasts between 10 and 20 years. When installing them, therefore, choose a good brand of high quality. If we do the job for you, we will provide a high-quality inverter with a good guarantee.
Hopefully, this article has helped you in your consideration. Should you have solar panels installed by Shift to Solar, it is good to know that we only work with reliable Tier 1 manufacturers. This ensures you get solar panels that will last for a long time. Would you like more information about our solar solutions? Then get in touch with us!
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