What’s the Lifetime of Solar Panels? Understand Maintenance, Servicing, and Insurance Expenses
Perhaps the most significant piece of information new solar panel owners want to know is how long their new investment will last. Well, the good news is that the typical lifespan of solar panels is usually 25 to 30 years, depending on who made them.
But the long and the short of it is that your solar panels will not necessarily stop producing electricity after that time. The design of modern-day solar panels means that they are intended to go on through severe weather and last for years. Certain factors could impact how long your solar panels last, including maintenance and servicing, and panel quality.
In this article, we will demonstrate how to maximise your use of solar panels and what the role of servicing, maintenance, and insurance is in the lifecycle of your investment.
What causes Solar Panels to degrade?
There are several reasons why your solar panels degrade, and it’s not entirely avoidable. Environmental conditions where your solar panels are placed is one of the primary causes. Different weather elements like wind, rain, debris, and dust may dirty your panels over time and cause degradation.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has stated that the solar panels were declining at the rate of 0.8% per year till 2012. But now, the rate has dropped to 0.7% even in the last decade.
The rate varies depending on the brand you buy, of course. It is crucial to understand the main types of degradation so that you can ensure your panels do not decline at a faster rate or even stop producing electricity altogether.
Light-Induced Degradation (LID)
You may be surprised to hear that too much sun can be harmful to solar panels. If your system is exposed to too much sun, LID can occur and reduce power output. This is why panels installed on sloped surfaces on roofs work better than flat surfaces, where sun exposure is more varied throughout the day. Otherwise, photoconductivity can be reduced.
Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
Along with general light exposure, the UV radiation can also cause degradation over time. UV radiation isn’t always the culprit of solar panel degradation, but it can reduce performance by 30%, according to research published in Solar. It’s usually the result of your system being at different voltages, which can lead to voltage leaks, which lower your panel’s power output.
Cold Temperature Degradation
While not a common problem in Australia, cold temperatures can further cause solar panel degradation. For there to be a significant decrease in power production, temperatures need to be consistently below -18 degrees Celsius for a sustained period.
Aging Degradation
Your solar panel will naturally deteriorate over time due to aging. This can happen because of chemical reactions in semiconductive materials, leading to cell contamination and crystalline hardening. The pattern of shading and weather cycles also leads to aging-related degradation.
The Importance of High-Quality Solar Panels
Along with your environment, the brand you choose has a major influence on the lifetime of your system. The quality of the materials often determines the quality of your solar panels. Cheap manufacturers will use shoddily soldered joints, exposed wires, dodgy electrical connections, and low-quality components.
Skipping out on high-quality panel manufacturing means that your system won’t be able to handle extreme weather conditions as well, and can lead to manufacturing defects quickly after installation.
Not only will the weather cause problems for cheap solar panels, but they’ll also be less equipped to deal with physical damage. To ensure their quality, you should always check that high-performance modules and solar inverters are certified to Australian Standards.
Can You Extend the Lifetime of Solar Panels?
Installation
Getting the most out of your solar panels starts with proper installation. Solar panels are meant to be sturdy, but the connections and structure of your system should be handled carefully. Your panels aren’t the only thing you’re investing in. Installing your system is a long-term commitment to ensure that everything stays operational.
Solar panels are built with a lot of pressure because they’re made from the same kind of tempered glass that is used to make windshields, and thus they may be more prone to being damaged during installation. If your installer is not professional, stepping on panels will wreck your system.
Straining panels during installation may force PV cells to suffer from micro-fractures, accelerating degradation. This is because they become more susceptible to dirt and weather. So you can extend the longevity of your panels by relying on a well-known installer who will be mindful of the necessity of guaranteeing proper installation.
Maintenance and Servicing
Solar panels are typically easy to maintain since they’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, regular maintenance and servicing can ensure you catch any problems before they become a bigger issue or your warranty ends. An annual maintenance inspection typically costs around $150-$300, while a servicing/cleaning is about $12-$18 per panel.
There are some things you can do yourself in between professional assessments, such as:
- Clean solar panels using a microfibre cloth to remove debris and improve maximum efficiency.
- Check for damage after major weather events.
- Perform visual inspections on a schedule.
- Replace failing mounting brackets.
Insurance
Your solar panels and warranty may be covered under your home insurance. However, because a system adds value to your property, adding one to your home is likely to increase your annual home insurance premiums.
Costs can vary depending on the insurer and your policy. Understanding what your home insurance covers regarding solar panels can help alleviate costs from replacements and repairing significant damage.
When Should You Replace Your Solar Panels?
If you notice signs of wear and tear or a reduction in the amount of clean energy you’re getting, it might be time to start replacing your solar panels. Luckily, many modern solar panels have built-in tracking systems and software to track the electrical power produced for your home daily.
Panels should typically be replaced based on their efficiency rather than age. If your panel’s efficiency drops below 80% then you should consider getting it replaced.
Understanding the Longevity of Solar Panels
How long your solar panels will last can be determined by how well they are maintained, in addition to careful installation and monitoring. Solar panel degradation is unavoidable, however. Weather, age, and device damage can all contribute to their efficiency diminishing.
Solar panels are tough as nails, but the connections and overall setup of your system are worth keeping in top shape. Maintenance is needed to keep cells functioning at their optimal level.
If you’re interested in learning more about going solar, talk to our experts today. Volteam Electric provides a tailored and comprehensive service to residents and businesses that is up to industry standards. We have assistance and guidance at every step of the solar panel process, from installation to maintenance, to get you up and running in no time and your system running at its best.
