How long do solar panels last?

Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more. The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation. If the panels continue to produce at a high level for another 15 years after that, you will end up saving thousands of dollars during the solar panels’ lifespan.

How long should a solar panel warranty last?

Near the end of your solar panel warranty (typically ~25 years), you should assess your panels’ performance and evaluate the trade-offs of purchasing a new system. By this time, you will likely have already paid off your solar energy system and generated an abundance of power independently from the utility company.

Are solar panels durable?

Solar panels are generally very durable. Most solar panels are designed and tested to withstand the elements like hail, high winds, and heavy snow loads. And thanks to their lack of moving parts, solar panel systems usually require little to no maintenance. Still, maintaining your solar panels can boost production.

Do solar panels stop working after 25 years?

After 25 years, solar panels will be less efficient and produce less power. This doesn’t mean your solar panels will stop working, but they may be less effective at powering your home and lowering your energy savings. When panels degrade to the point where they no longer produce power, they’re ready to be recycled.

How often do solar panels degrade?

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panels will degrade by between .25% and .75% each year for an average of .5%/year. This means that after the 25-year warranty on your solar panels, you can still expect them to perform on the order of between 82.5% and 93% of the original output.

Do solar panels expire?

There is technically no expiration date on solar panels. However, over time, they naturally tend to become less efficient at producing energy. Some panels can also break due to physical damage from extreme weather conditions.