What is the lifespan of solar panels?
Solar panels are a big investment in your home, so it’s reassuring to know they can keep generating electricity for decades. As well as helping you reduce your energy bills and reliance on the grid, they can give you greater control over how you power your home for years to come.
But just how long do solar panels last, and is there anything you can do to help them keep working at their best?
How long do solar panels last?
Most good-quality solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years, and many can continue generating electricity for 30 to 40 years. Their ability to convert sunlight into electricity gradually reduces over time. This is known as degradation, and it’s a normal part of owning solar panels.
Degradation typically ranges from around 0.7% to 0.8% a year, although this varies depending on the panels you have. Even after 25 years, your panels could still be producing around 80% to 84% of their original output.
We only use high-quality solar panels from manufacturers we trust. Choosing reliable equipment and making sure it’s installed properly helps give your system the best possible start.
Of course, how well your panels perform over the years also depends on things like the weather, their exposure to heat and sunlight, and whether anything causes damage. The good news is that solar panels are designed to cope with the elements and generally need very little maintenance.
There are a few simple things you can do, though, to help keep your system in good working order.
How to look after your solar panels
Keep your solar panels clean
Like anything that’s outside all year round, solar panels can collect dust, dirt, leaves, twigs and bird droppings. Rain will wash away some of this, but it won’t always shift everything, particularly stubborn dirt or bird mess.
Keeping your panels clean when needed helps them absorb as much sunlight as possible, so they can generate electricity as efficiently as they should.
You don’t need to climb onto the roof to check them. If you can safely see your panels from the ground, keep an eye out for any obvious build-up of dirt or debris. If something doesn’t look right, we can help you work out whether they need cleaning.
If we’ve installed your system, we can arrange cleaning as part of our solar panel maintenance service. It’s best to leave roof access and cleaning at height to a professional, rather than risk doing it yourself.
Birds can also cause problems, particularly if they settle underneath your panels. Nesting materials and droppings can build up, and birds may damage cables or other components. We can advise on suitable bird-proofing options, including mesh and other deterrents, to help keep them away.
Keep an eye on how your system is performing
You don’t need to be an expert to spot when something might not be quite right. Keeping an eye on how much electricity your panels generate can help you notice any unexpected changes.
It’s worth remembering that output naturally varies throughout the year. Your panels will usually generate more electricity during sunnier months than in winter, so a seasonal drop doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem.
If you notice a significant or unexplained change in performance, though, it’s worth getting it checked. Dirt, shading, damaged components or an electrical fault could all affect how much electricity your system produces.
A professional service can help identify potential problems and check that everything is working as it should. Depending on your system, this may include inspecting the panels and electrical connections, checking the associated equipment and looking at the condition of the roof around the installation.
Regular checks can help you pick up issues early, rather than letting a small problem go unnoticed.
Don’t forget the rest of your system
Your solar panels may last for several decades, but other parts of your system have their own lifespans.
Your inverter, for example, converts the electricity generated by your panels into a form you can use in your home. Depending on the type, its age and how it’s used, it may need replacing before your panels do.
If you have battery storage, this also has its own lifespan and warranty. Keeping an eye on how your panels, inverter and battery work together can help you get the most from your whole system.
If something does need attention, it doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace everything. Often, it’s simply a case of identifying the problem and working out the most sensible way to put it right.
Could you get more from your existing solar panels?
If you’ve had solar panels for a few years, you might be wondering whether there’s anything else you can do to make the most of them. The good news is that an older system doesn’t necessarily need replacing to work better for your household. Depending on your existing setup, your energy use and your budget, there may be ways to improve how you use the electricity you generate.
For example, adding battery storage could allow you to store surplus solar electricity during the day and use it later, when your panels aren’t generating as much. Whether this would be worthwhile depends on how much electricity you generate, when you use it and the cost of the upgrade.
We can look at your existing installation and talk you through the options if we think there’s a way to improve it. We’ll explain what’s possible and help you decide whether an upgrade makes sense for your home.
Make the most of your solar panels
Solar panels are designed to last, and with good-quality equipment, a proper installation and a little care, you could be generating your own electricity for decades.
If you already have solar panels and would like a bit of help keeping them in good shape, take a look at our solar panel maintenance service.
And if you’re thinking about installing solar panels for the first time, we’re happy to help. Try our instant quote tool to find out more about a system for your home. You can also get £100 off a solar panel system with the code SOLAR100.
Get in touch with our specialists at info@eerenewables.co.uk or call 0800 802 1116.
