How Long do Solar Panels Last?

Unveiling the Lifespan of Solar Panels: Beyond Solar Panels 25 year warranty

The lifespan of products is a crucial consideration for consumers, especially for significant investments like solar panels and home battery storage systems. Individuals are keen on understanding the return on investment, particularly for technologies that promise sustainability and energy savings. The common query we get asked is along these lines, "How long do solar panels last?", “What’s the solar panels guarantee?” and “How long is a solar battery warranty?” reflects the desire to gauge the longevity and durability of solar installations.

The Misconception of Solar Panel Longevity

A prevalent belief in the solar industry suggests that photovoltaic (PV) panels last between 20 to 25 years. This assumption is partly based on the solar panels' 25-year warranty, which manufacturers often provide. However, this view understates how long solar panels last.

In reality, while their efficiency might decline over the years, the reduction rate significantly slows down after a certain period, allowing panels to generate electricity far beyond the 25-year mark, assuming they are properly maintained and periodically inspected by professionals. Remarkably, there are solar PV systems over 40 years old that continue to supply electricity to their users. This is well over the manufacturer's solar panel guarantee.

Understanding Solar Panel Warranties

The belief in the 20 to 25-year lifespan is largely influenced by the performance warranties that come with solar panels. These warranties are designed to reassure owners that their solar system's efficiency won't dramatically decrease within the first decade of use. Typically, these warranties are divided into two phases: an initial 10-year period guaranteeing that the panel's efficiency will not fall below 90%, and a subsequent 20 or 25-year guarantee that the system will retain at least 80% of its initial output.

Linear warranties offer a more gradual efficiency guarantee, ensuring, for example, that after two years, the system will perform at no less than 97% of its original output. However, it's essential to pay attention to the specific terms and conditions of these warranties, as some may require annual inspections by certified experts to remain valid.

The above is a linear JA Solar performance warranty example.

The Role of the Feed-in Tariff Scheme and Solar Panels 25 Year Warranty

In the UK, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme also played a part in shaping perceptions about how many years solar panels last. By providing homeowners with payments for 25 years (later adjusted to 20 years), the scheme reinforced the expectation of a two-decade-long effective service life. This, however, is a conservative estimate and not an accurate reflection of the potential longevity of a well-maintained solar PV system.

Conclusion: A Brighter Reality

The question of "how long do solar panels last" reveals a brighter reality than many might expect. With advancements in technology and comprehensive solar system warranties, including the solar battery warranty and solar panel guarantee, solar installations are capable of exceeding the manufacturers 25 year warranty, offering an extended period of renewable energy generation. This enduring performance not only enhances the return on investment for homeowners but also contributes to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.