Deciding to invest in solar panels is an exciting decision. Besides providing quality power, solar also has a positive impact on the earth. If you’re thinking about purchasing solar panels, you might wonder how long they’re going to last. After all, they sit exposed on the top of your home for their entire lifespan.
Read on to learn more about how long solar panels last. Even though they sit on top of your roof, they’re durable pieces that are certain to make it through all kinds of weather. They will give you the power you need to permit your residence, vehicle, and even commercial company to keep going.
About How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
In general, most solar panels will last around twenty-five to thirty years. Once they reach this time, they typically won’t stop working. However, the power they produce will not be nearly as strong as it was before. Thus, replacements are needed at this point to make the amount you spend on the panels worth it.
There are a few factors that might impact the length of your solar panels, some of which include:
- Poor Extreme weather conditions
- Debris build-up
- Poor racking setup
- Buy panels from a reputable manufacturer and dealer (Tier 1)
All of these can shorten the lifespan of your solar panels.
If you want to make your solar panels last until this industry average, there are a few measures you can take to keep them in working order for as long as possible. Understanding these will help you make the most out of your investment.
Can You Make Your Panels Last Longer?
Solar panels, like any other piece of technology, last longer the better you take care of them. If you neglect them, the chances are high that they will not last very long. If you do take care of them, there’s a chance they could make it past the predicted lifespan. There are two things you can do to attempt to improve the lifespan of your panels.
To make them last longer, you might do the following:
- Keep the panels clear of debris, garbage, and other natural items
- Regularly check them with an expert or the company that installed your panels
- Make sure the installation company has professionals install the underlying racking that holds the solar panels.
These actions will add some longevity to your panels.
To enact these special checks, you need to know more about them. We’ll go over each of these so you can have a better idea of how you can go about improving the lifespan of your solar panels. Neither of these is hard to accomplish and will save you money in early replacements.
Keep Them Clear
Debris and other build-ups on top of your solar panels can cause decay far ahead of time. It’s critical to at least rinse them off every morning. If you leave items on for too long, it could harm them fast than expected. Get grime off of your panels to keep them in working order. Even the smallest items could cause damage if left there for too long.
Some examples of debris that might gather on the surface of the solar panels include:
- Bird droppings
- Pollen
- Leaves
- Dust and dirt
These can all easily be rinsed off with a spray. Ensure you use a hose that isn’t too harsh to avoid damaging your solar panels with the strength of the spray.
If you decide to rinse off your solar panels, make sure you do so in the morning. If they heat up and get hit with cold water, there’s a chance they could crack. This damage will also warrant an early replacement. The chillier hours of the morning are the best time to clean off your panels every morning.
Regularly Check Them
Another way to improve the length of your solar panels is to get them regularly checked out, even if you feel like they’re in working order. Professionals can note and take care of issues before they turn into expensive problems that require you to replace the solar panels before their time is up.
When professionals, such as installers or service providers, check out your solar panels regularly, they might uncover issues such as the following:
- Exposed wires
- Loose racking
- Cracked panels
These are difficult to see on your own, so having someone there to find them for you will serve the length of your panels well in the end.
By regularly checking the panels and keeping them clear of debris, your panels should be able to make it to the industry standard without an issue. To obtain clean energy from the sun, you’ll need to take care of these pieces so they can continue to provide you with power.
How Do I Know When I Need to Replace Panels?
We’ve talked about the lifespan of solar panels, but how do you know when they need replacing on your home? Are there any indicators that can tell you when it’s time to invest in new pieces? There are a few things to look at if you feel like your solar panels are running out of steam.
A few indicators that you might need to replace your panels include the following:
- Your energy quality has dropped significantly
- Your warranty is almost up
If you notice the efficiency falling below 80%, it might be time to consider new options.
Once you replace the panels, ensure you take the same precautions to make them last for as long as possible. These new panels should last at least fifteen years, and even more, if you’re careful.
In Conclusion
Even though it seems like they might fall apart fast, solar panels are sturdy and reliable. Most varieties last for around thirty years, and even then, some may continue charging up for even longer. They’re great for adapting to a greener form of electricity that will positively impact the world.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar panels for your home, we can help you. From site assessment to pre-wiring, we can prepare for the solar panel system you’ll be getting. With over thirty years of experience, you’re in safe hands with us. We offer solar installation in Colorado Springs, New Haven, CT, Marlborough, MA, Bend, OR, and Portland, OR.