Most homes are switching to solar panels for the benefits they could provide for their home and the environment. However, they come at a high price. Nonetheless, most homeowners find their benefits worth it and would never regret adding them to their homes. But how long do solar panels last?
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Lifespan Of Solar Panels
Industry-made solar panels are made to last for 25-30 years. They can be productive in converting sunlight into electrical energy up to those years. But even after having it for more than 30 years, solar panels still tend to work. However, their output won’t be the same as before. Their productivity will decrease less than what they were used to or less than the industry’s projection on how they will last; but still, it’ll work.
Having solar panels now for more than three decades can still be useful compared to the solar panels that people used in the past. The performance and longevity have improved drastically over time. So, if your solar panels have reached the three-decade mark, don’t expect them to halt their energy production immediately. Keep in mind that they’ll still work; the only difference is that their energy production won’t meet the average energy needs of a family.
There are solar panels that have been reviewed by Solar Run, which discusses the capability and features of what a solar panel has to offer. With that, reading reviews online would surely be helpful in finding you the perfect piece.
Degrading Of Solar Panels
Solar panels have a median degradation rate of about 0.5%, meaning that their productivity is decreasing at this rate every year. So, even though your solar panels are reaching 20 years old, their productivity rate should still be about 90%, which is still valuable and helpful in providing energy to your property.
With this, it’s better to determine the causes why some panels degrade faster than others. Below are some factors that might affect the state of your panels:
Weather
Weather plays a huge role in the degradation of your solar panels, affecting their longevity. Experiencing strong windstorms is one of the issues regarding the safety of your solar panels as they may cause some tree branches to fall and damage the glass coating that protects the solar panels. Heavy snowfall and large hailstones can also affect the integrity of the panels. Even though some weather can cause damage to the panels, some manufacturers have built theirs to withstand storms and other weather conditions.
Installation Issues
Even though solar panels are made to be durable, it’s always better to keep in mind how they’re installed. You should always take precautions to determine the best installation of these panels. If your roof is damaged or leaky, this can cause some major issues later on when you install solar panels there. It’s best to hire a trustworthy installer to ensure your panels’ space is assessed correctly before installation.
Tips To Make Them Last Longer
Even though some factors may cause the solar panels to degrade quicker, you should know there are ways to lengthen their lifespan and productivity. Below are some of the things you can consider to make sure you’re getting the most out of your solar panels:
Choose A Trustworthy Solar Provider
To ensure you have quality solar panels, you can team up with a trustworthy solar provider. Some reputable manufacturers can provide solar panels with better longevity compared to others. Some also offer maintenance packages for their products to ensure that the solar panels they’ll be installing can provide clean and reliable energy for a long time.
Monitor And Maintain The Batteries
Even though solar panels require little maintenance, it’s still important to consider checking them periodically. Routine maintenance checks allow you to inspect your solar panels to determine whether they’re performing properly and if all the parts provide maximum efficiency. They can function for a long time once installed, but there are still some things you can check to lengthen their lifespan.
You should check and inspect their batteries to see if they’ve been installed correctly, which can help extend their life. Checking your electric bill can also help you determine whether there’s an issue with your panels, especially if you experience any drastic changes in your energy usage.
Keep Away From Damaging Materials
Keeping your solar panels from any materials that could damage them should be one of your priorities in ensuring they won’t be obstructed. You want to make sure you install them away from tree branches as these tend to fall during a storm or any other inclement weather.
Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
Leaves, pollen, dirt, and even bird droppings are some of the things that can affect the efficiency of your solar panels. It’s better to ensure your solar panels are clean so their productivity won’t be affected. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service that handles solar panels to ensure there won’t be any issues when it comes to cleaning them.
Factors That Affect Their Performance
Apart from how solar panels’ lifespan slowly degrades over time, there’s another reason your solar panels might not perform as they were before, even with a shorter lifespan. To keep you in the loop, listed below are some factors that affect your solar panels’ performance:
Mounting Position
Ideally, you should install them correctly to help them reach their full capacity. You want to avoid placing them on a spot where there’s no sun since this can hinder them from being efficient. Mount them in the best place possible for them to be able to produce appropriate energy for your property.
Solar Irradiation
Solar panels don’t rely on the sun’s heat when converting energy; what’s crucial is the sunlight that is beaming straight to them. They need this to function properly and produce electric energy. So, make sure your panels are getting the proper sunlight required for them to be more efficient.
Temperature
Even though solar panels don’t rely on the sun’s heat, their performance is affected by the temperature where you installed them. The temperature is an important thing to consider before you can install solar panels on your property. Extreme heat can affect the performance of your panels, which then prevents them from producing the proper amount of energy.
Before you have them installed, consider the climate in your area and check in with your provider whether it’s suitable to have a solar panel installed.
Takeaway
The longevity of your solar panels is highly important as they could determine if their high cost is worth it. While it might require you to put out some large cash, it’ll surely be worth the investment, especially with the amount of electricity you can save. Moreover, you can also live a more comfortable life without worrying about electricity consumption.
