When investing in solar panels, one of the common concerns people have is the longevity and performance of their system. With solar panels being exposed to the elements year-round, it’s natural to wonder if they will degrade over time and lose their efficiency. Fortunately, advancements in solar technology, along with extended warranties, mean that solar panels are more durable and reliable than ever before. In this post, we’ll explain what solar panel degradation means, how it impacts performance, and why you don’t need to worry about it.
What is Solar Panel Degradation?
Solar panel degradation refers to the gradual loss of efficiency that solar panels experience over their lifetime. All solar panels degrade to some extent, but the good news is that modern panels degrade at a much slower rate than in the past. Most panels lose about 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency each year. This means that after 20 to 30 years, your panels will still perform at about 80-90% of their original capacity.
Why Does Degradation Happen?
Degradation occurs primarily due to long-term exposure to the sun, weather, and environmental conditions:
- UV Exposure: Continuous exposure to sunlight slowly wears down the materials in the panels.
- Weather: Changes in temperature, rain, snow, and even wind can contribute to wear over time.
- Material Fatigue: Solar cells and the protective materials in panels naturally age, much like any other product.
What Do Warranties Cover?
The great news is that solar panel manufacturers now offer warranties that extend well into the future, providing peace of mind for homeowners. Most warranties guarantee:
- 20 to 30 Years of Coverage: This includes a performance warranty, ensuring your panels still produce at a high capacity after decades.
- Performance at 80-90%: Most manufacturers guarantee that after 25 or even 30 years, your panels will still generate at least 80% of their original output.
These warranties protect you from excessive performance loss, meaning your investment is secure. Even at 80% performance, your panels will still be saving you significant energy costs.
Should You Worry About Degradation?
In short, no. The gradual reduction in efficiency is already accounted for in the design of solar panels and their warranties. After 25 years of use, even at 80% efficiency, your panels will still produce a significant amount of energy, helping you save on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
How Can You Minimize Degradation?
While degradation is inevitable, you can take steps to ensure your solar panels perform optimally for as long as possible:
- Routine Cleaning: Dust, dirt, and debris can block sunlight and reduce performance. Keep your panels clean to maximize energy production.
- Maintenance: Having regular checks by your solar installer will help catch any potential issues before they affect performance.
- Choose High-Quality Panels: Not all panels degrade at the same rate. Choosing panels from reputable manufacturers ensures lower degradation rates and better warranties.
Conclusion
Solar panel degradation is a natural process, but it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. With warranties extending up to 30 years and panels still producing around 80% efficiency after that time, your solar investment is protected. As technology advances, solar panels are becoming even more durable and efficient, making them a long-term solution for clean, renewable energy.
By the time your panels have reached their warranty period, they’ll still be generating significant amounts of electricity, making solar power one of the best investments for your home or business.
Feel free to contact us if you have any more questions or concerns about solar panel performance and warranties!
