How long do solar panels last and how do I care for them?

I’m often asked how long solar panels last, and what can be done to take proper care of the panels once installed.

Solar panels and their accompanying components and warranties are designed to last 30-35 years, though there are several accounts of them lasting much longer. Their efficiency decreases around .5% every year, but with the increasing efficiency of our homes and devices, combined with some solid energy usage habits, you might not even notice. 

In theory, solar panels can last forever, or until their efficiency reaches zero. In fact, there’s evidence from around the world that shows solar panels can last for decades and keep producing reliable energy with little degradation. It's the expiring warranties that usually signal the end of a solar panel system's lifetime.

And on the topic of longevity, consider this fun fact: solar panels have been used over 60 years to keep communications and exploration satellites running, and the astronauts on the International Space Station have trusted their lives to solar power for over 13 years. IN THE HARSH ENVIRONMENT OF SPACE!

And, speaking of the International Space Station, you can track the orbital progress of the ISS and be notified when it’s over your location. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see rays of sunshine reflecting off their array of 8 Solar Wings!

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/tracking_map.cfm 

What about long term maintenance & care?

Solar panels are not expensive to maintain. Most manufacturers recommend that the panels get sprayed off once a year, but rain usually does a fine job of washing panels off without any intervention from system owners. Other regular maintenance is usually not necessary.

As for replacing parts, there are a few components in a solar system that could need replacement. Panels now are larger in wattage and replacement costs would be $300 to $500. If your system uses a centrally-located inverter to change the DC power produced by the panels into AC power that can be used by the electric grid, it might need to be replaced in 10 or 15 years at a cost of about $3000 and up, depending on the size. Many inverter manufacturers offer 10- to 12-year warranties; some even extend those warranties to 25 years. And micro inverters, the kind that attach to each individual solar panel, cost much less to replace and are usually warranted for 25 years.

With all the data on panel reliability and all those great manufacturer performance guarantees, you can rest assured that your system will keep producing reliable power, with little needed maintenance, long after your system has paid for itself. 

Thanks for Reading!

Brian McKay

(aka The Solar Guy)