The average lifespan of solar panels is one of the most common questions that many people installing the systems have to ask. As homeowners and business owners are progressively changing over to the idea of solar power, it is important to determine the average lifespan of a solar cell. Solar panels often last for around 25 years. This doesn’t mean that the panels on your roof will stop producing electricity. After this point, the energy production from the solar cell may start to decrease depending on the solar power manufacturers’ guarantee. Specific maintenance may be required in order to prevent degradation from happening early on. This can affect the overall lifespan of your solar system as well as limit efficiency and performance.
Why a Standard Warranty Is So Important
There are many solar manufacturers and installation professionals that will offer a standard warranty on solar panels. The length of the warranty often shows what the manufacturer estimates to be the life expectancy of that panel. Standard warranties on many solar panels are around 25 years. During this time manufacturers can guarantee that the panels are going to operate at their peak efficiency. Most warranties can guarantee around 80% of the rated output on their product. This means that if a panel is certified to produce up to 300 W warranty will cover at least 240 W for the rest of the 25 years. There are some companies that stand behind the panels that guarantee up to 90% efficiency. The warranties on other equipment beyond the panels including the inverter and monitoring equipment will vary and they often come with a shorter time period.
Solar Panels and Their Degradation
There are many reasons why solar panels can degrade faster than you would expect. A solar panel that’s exposed to extreme changes in climate may experience ongoing and heavy soiling. A solar panel that’s installed improperly may also have the same type of higher rate of degradation. Based on the superiority of the technology that’s used by the manufacturers that are producing solar panels, you can get access to improvements for your solar installation.
Installation Problems
To extend the overall lifespan of a solar power system, it’s important to look at the most essential aspects of what makes a solar panel work. Most solar panels are built for durability and they are not prone to defects. When you’re first connecting your solar panels you need to be especially careful. Make sure that you’re using a trusted installation professional and arrange the solar panels in a way that they are going to access sunlight in the most efficient manner. Take into account the condition of the roof underneath as well. If an installer does not correctly assess your roof and there are leaks or other serious problems, this could cause ongoing issues in the future.
Weather Factors
When solar panels are forced to weather several storms this can often lead to the anti-reflective glass coating that covers the solar panel to start losing its structural integrity. Large hailstones can also continually damage the glass. Many manufacturers will test and certify that their parts can withstand hail storms and inclement weather conditions but it will often come down to choosing the right panels for the climate you are in.
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Importance of Regular Maintenance
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a source of renewable energy, but like all equipment, they require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function effectively and have a long lifespan.
It’s important to understand that solar panels are exposed to the elements 24/7. They are constantly bombarded by sun, rain, wind, and dust, which can cause damage to the panels over time. Regular cleaning and inspection of the panels can help to prevent this damage from occurring and prolong the lifespan of the panels.
What Can You Do to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels?
By following these tips, you can help to prolong the lifespan of your solar panels, ensuring that they continue to generate clean, renewable energy for many years to come. Additionally, it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your solar panels, as each manufacturer may have specific recommendations for the care and maintenance of their products.
Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on your solar panels over time, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. To prolong the lifespan of your solar panels, it’s important to keep them clean. This can be done by occasionally cleaning them with mild soap and water, or by hiring a professional cleaning service.
Minimize Shade
Trees, buildings, and other structures can cast shadows on your solar panels, reducing their ability to generate electricity. To prolong the lifespan of your solar panels, it’s important to minimize the amount of shade that falls on them. This can be done by trimming trees, repositioning panels, or installing shading devices.
Monitor Your System
Regularly monitoring your solar panel system can help you identify potential issues early on before they become major problems. By monitoring your system, you can ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency, which will prolong the lifespan of your solar panels. You can monitor your solar panel system by installing a monitoring device or by checking the data from your inverter.
Use High-Quality Components
Solar panels are only as good as the components that make them up. To prolong the lifespan of your solar panels, it’s important to use high-quality components. This includes using high-quality inverters, racking systems, and wiring. By using high-quality components, you can ensure that your solar panel system will last for many years, even in harsh weather conditions.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of your solar panels. This can include checking the wiring, tightening bolts, and ensuring that the panels are properly aligned. Scheduling regular maintenance can also help to identify any potential issues early on before they become major problems. It is recommended to schedule professional solar panel maintenance at least once a year.
Don’t Settle for Short-Lived Solar Panels – Choose ESD Solar
Don’t let your solar investment go to waste with short-lived panels. Upgrade to ESD Solar‘s durable and long-lasting solar panels today and enjoy the benefits of clean energy for decades to come. Our advanced technology ensures maximum efficiency and longevity, giving you the peace of mind that your investment is protected. Don’t settle for less, choose ESD Solar for a brighter, sustainable future.
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You can work at extending the lifespan of your solar panels by working with a qualified solar installation team! Contact ESD Solar today to begin experiencing the vast benefits Florida solar has to offer!
