Solar panel time

How long do solar panels last?

Find out how long solar panels usually last for, how quickly they degrade over time, and what you can do to maximise their lifespan. What kind of home do you live in? A modern, monocrystalline solar panel usually lasts around 30-40 years, depending on its quality, the conditions it has to endure, and how well it''s been maintained.

When is it time to replace a solar panel?

The loss of output over time, called degradation, typically lands at about 0.5% each year, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Manufacturers typically consider 25 to 30 years a point at which enough degradation has occurred where it may be time to consider replacing a panel.

How long will NREL solar panels last?

NREL’s median degradation rate of 0.5% means a typical solar panel system will still operate at about 90% of its original capacity after 20 years. Even with a higher degradation rate of 0.8%, your panels would keep about 84% efficiency after the same period. Some systems perform better than expected.

Do solar panels stop working after 25 years?

Solar panels don’t suddenly stop working after their lifespan ends. Instead, their efficiency gradually decreases, typically at a rate of 0.5% to 1% per year. This means that after 25 years, your panels may still operate at 75-85% efficiency. Although their energy production will be lower, they will still generate electricity for years to come.