Expected Useful Life Of Solar Panels

Since the early 2000s the amount of solar panels being installed worldwide has been growing exponentially and it s expected to continue to do so for decades.

Expected useful life of solar panels.

However their ability to absorb sunlight will be reduced. Degradation rates are used in solar site assessments in order to estimate the energy production over the life of a system and to calculate the payback period and return on investment. Those panels could retain 96 of their production capabilities after 20 years. By the end of 2015 an estimated 222 gigawatts worth of solar energy had been installed worldwide.

Solar site assessors use these rates. An inspection of your solar panels may also include an inspection of the other equipment involved in a solar installation namely your solar inverters and roof racking system. Warranties don t necessarily equal life expectancy but they are a good place to start estimating. Solar panels typically come with 25 year performance warranties and 10 to 12 year limited warranties.

Most solar panel companies will provide a standard 25 year warranty for the expected life expectancy of the solar panels. Solar power is having its hockey stick moment. After 25 years your solar panels won t necessarily need to be replaced. When you re considering investing in a solar installation wondering how long home solar panels last is a question that inevitably pops up.

Performance warranties guarantee that the power output will decline at a rate set by the manufacturer usually about 0 7 each year.