With a lot of homeowners and businesses making the move towards being more eco-friendly and taking steps towards reducing their carbon footprints the popularity of solar panels has skyrocketed. As the popularity and frequency of solar panel installation has increased, so has a lot of questions about the viability of going solar. One of the biggest questions a lot of people have when it comes to switching to solar power is how long do panels last? Or, more accurately, what is the lifespan of the cells used in solar panel power systems? On average, the lifespan of cells in solar panels is about 25 years. But, it is important to know that this does not mean that all solar panels can be expected to last 25 years, as there is a lot that goes into keeping the panels running at peak condition and efficiency for that long.
What Causes Panels to Degrade?
While it is important to make sure that you follow proper panel maintenance in order to make sure your solar system works to its highest level, there are certain things that contribute to the degrading of your panel’s cells overtime.
Weather
The local climate of where your home or business is located can play a big role in the lifespan of a solar panel system. Whether it is windstorms, snow, sleet, or high winds, there are lots of weather issues that can cause damage to the integrity of solar panels.
Position
Because the panels function based on how much solar energy they can collect, positioning your panels in the most efficient way can help prolong the life of your solar cells.
Temperature
While it may seem counterintuitive, installing solar panels in climates with extreme heat can actually lead to a reduced lifespan for the panels. Extreme heat can negatively impact the production of energy, so it is important to make sure you arrange your panels to allow for maximum airflow.
This post was written by Shawn Henry, owner and solar energy expert, at Efficient Home Services of Florida. EHS provides services across the spectrum to address every aspect of your home’s energy inefficiencies. They focus on making home energy efficient and then eliminating your energy bill with solar!
