How Long Solar Panels Last and When to Replace Them

Solar panels can save you big bucks on your electric bill, but eventually, you’ll need to replace even the highest quality panels. Most of the time, you’ll get a couple of decades of use, but certain factors like climate and the degradation rate of your panels can impact the overall lifespan. This guide covers how long solar panels last, signs you need new ones, and the upkeep you’ll need to do. 

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Solar panels are the main component of any solar energy system. The average lifespan of a solar panel is 25 to 30 years, and most manufacturers offer a warranty to match. Several factors impact life expectancy, but your solar panels should last a couple of decades if they’re installed correctly and you maintain them. 

Though solar panel installation costs about $27,200, it pays for itself in energy savings after six to 10 years. Extending the usability of your solar panels can increase the savings.

What Is a Degradation Rate?

The degradation rate is the speed at which solar panels lose their ability to generate electricity. All solar panels eventually degrade from constant UV exposure, weather, temperature fluctuations, and continuous use that wears down the individual components. As solar panels start to degrade, they lose some of their efficiency. 

This degradation rate is represented as the percentage of power output your panels lose every year. Across the industry, the average degradation rate is 0.50% annually, though the highest quality solar panels fall in the 0.30% range. 

Even if your panel has an average degradation rate, the loss is gradual. Well-maintained panels can lose less than 20% of their original output toward the end of their lifespan. Proper maintenance and repairs can slow degradation.

Factors Influencing How Long Solar Panels Last

To make your solar panels last as long as possible, purchase high-quality panels, get them installed by an expert solar panel installer near you, and maintain them properly. The following factors influence the lifespan of your solar panels.

Quality of the Panels

A solar panel’s lifespan is largely determined by its quality. There are three tiers, each with a different degradation rate:

Tier one solar panels are considered the highest quality. These manufacturers have produced solar panels for over five years and are held to the highest industry standards. That said, these panels do cost more than lower-quality options. 

Installation

Improper installation can shorten the lifespan of your panels. They need to be mounted correctly so the components are not under excess stress. Similarly, if the wiring isn’t correct, it won’t just damage the panel—It can damage the electrical components throughout your solar energy system. DIY work can void your warranty and lead to expensive repairs, so always hire a solar panel installation contractor.

Maintenance

Solar panels are relatively low maintenance, but you do need to take care of them. Debris can damage your panels and reduce their electrical output. Pushing off necessary repairs can stress other parts of your system (like your inverter or battery) and cause them to fail prematurely. 

Climate

Climate is out of your control, but unfortunately, it significantly affects how long your panels will last. Hot weather degrades solar panels faster than cold weather, so those in particularly warm areas notice their panels have a slightly shorter lifespan. 

Other types of extreme weather (like hail, humidity, or high winds) can also damage panels. If your panels are accessible, you can use a protective cover before storms or temporarily tilt them so rain can easily roll off them.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Solar Panels

Minor repairs (like fixing cracked glass panels or loose connections) are expected throughout the lifecycle of your solar panels. That said, there will be some signs that you need to start thinking about a replacement:

• Your solar panels have a low or irregular output

• You notice a big increase in your monthly electric bills

• Your solar panels sustained serious damage

• The cost of repairs starts to outweigh the cost of a replacement

• Your solar panels are burnt, corroded, or discolored

• Your panels are nearing the end of their expected lifespan

Most solar panels are made from materials you can recycle, like glass, aluminum, and copper. If you want to recycle your solar panels at the end of their lifespan, you'll need to find a local organization that handles this type of product. Solar panel recycling is still a developing industry.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels

Most homeowners see a return on investment from solar panels, but they require some maintenance to perform at their peak. There are a few ways you can increase the lifespan of your solar panels:

• Visually inspect indoor and outdoor components once a month 

• Clean your solar panels to remove dust and debris two to four times per year

• Use a mixture of water and mild dish soap instead of harsh or abrasive cleaners

• Keep nearby trees trimmed to limit potential debris

• Repair broken components as soon as possible to avoid stressing the system

• Use a critter guard to protect against birds and other animals

• Use a protective cover during severe storms

• Tilt your solar panels so rain can roll off them

Maintenance does depend on the location of the panels. Climbing on your roof can be hazardous, so hiring a pro is best if your panels are not in an accessible area. The slight degradation over time is not worth extra hospital bills.