"Our home solar system has been great. Competitively priced, and with top quality panels, etc. They stood by commitments made at the time of sale."
"We installed solar about two years ago using Simply Solar. We obtained three bids, but were most impressed with the service side of our initial meeting with them."
One of the key questions that consumers face when they are deciding to go solar is “How long will my system last?” This can be a critical factor when deciding not only what to install on your home, but which manufacturers to trust and which companies to contact. Most of all, it is important to know that an investment in solar will be one that pays off quickly.
Today, we are looking at the longevity of solar panels. In addition to learning about their typical lifespan, you will also see how to improve your system and keep it generating power for your home for many years to come.
How Long They Last
Most solar panel manufacturers offer an industry-standard warranty of 25 years. This is based on research evidence that shows panels lose efficiency at a rate of 0.5 – 1 percent each year. What this means is that a solar panel will decline in efficiency each year until it reaches a point at which its lack of efficiency makes it necessary to replace the unit.
To be clear: The 25-year window does not mean that solar panels will eventually fail completely after a certain period of time. Instead, this information gives you an idea of how quickly your solar panel will lose its ability to harness solar energy. So at the end of five years, you can expect your solar panel to operate at 95% efficiency (or better).
When its efficiency dips below 80%, this is usually a sign to schedule a replacement. The national average decline is roughly .8% (as of 2012), although different panels offer different rates. Silfab panels come with a 25-year warranty, reflecting the national rate of decline.
How to Improve Longevity
One of the best qualities of solar panels is that there is little maintenance involved. There are no moving parts, and the solar panels work with the connected inverters to harness and convert the sun’s energy into electricity that will power your home or business. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that the solar panels are there at all.
Although degradation is inevitable, there are steps that consumers can take to prolong the life of their systems. The first step is to simply monitor the energy output of the system. If you notice that production is beginning to slip, but you have not reached the end of your warranty, you might need to clean the panels or check for obstructions (shade from trees and chimneys are common obstacles). Aside from checking the system, you can improve the longevity of the panels by cleaning them on a regular basis.
This does not mean that they require deep cleaning every week (or month). Most panels will benefit from cleaning once per year. The exceptions to this are cold-weather areas; you may need to brush the snow off the solar panels after a heavy snowstorm. The other exception is dusty, dry areas (such as the southwestern US) or homes near freeways and airports.
The panels on these homes generally accumulate more dirt and pollutants over time, which means that you may need to clean them more often. Again, if you see that production is beginning to wane, it is a good time to speak with your solar company.
Inverter Replacement
When we think about solar energy, the first image that comes to mind is typically a set of solar panels. We think of them first when production declines, and they are the ones we consider when it comes time for maintenance. However, there is one other component that requires attention: the inverters.
If you are using string inverters to convert solar energy, the warranty is typically 15-20 years. This means that your inverter will most likely fail before your solar panels do. If you want to increase the lifespan of the entire system (and improve efficiency), consider investing in microinverters. Rather than being responsible for the entire string of panels, as a string inverter is, the microinverters are built into individual panels.
Microinverters most often come with the same warranty as to the panel itself, which is 25-30 years. Although microinverters have a greater upfront cost, they may save you maintenance and replacement costs in the future.
Solar energy generates tremendous benefits for you and the planet. We utilize the latest solar advancements that will not only help you save money, but will contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Our goal is to make the solar process feel simple and easy, from the proposal to the installation and throughout the lifecycle of your system.
Why choose Simply Solar when there are so many commercial solar companies vying for your business?
Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, we have what it takes to build a solar system that will exceed your expectations.
Products and Partners: With industry-leading products, which we choose for their durability and outstanding performance, you can be sure that your solar panel system will last for many decades.
Expertise: Commercial solar companies hire out inexperienced contractors. Not Simply Solar! We handle the full site analysis, system engineering, permitting, installation, activation, monitoring, and maintenance of your solar system.
