Solar Panel Degradation and Lifespan: What You Should Know

Solar panels are a great investment for homes, farms, and businesses. But just like any machine or equipment, they don’t last forever. In this blog, we’ll explain in simple terms how long solar panels last, why they lose efficiency over time, and what you can do to keep them working well for as long as possible.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Most solar panels come with a performance guarantee of 25–30 years.
Even after that, they can still produce electricity — just at a lower level.

Important to know:
Solar panels don’t suddenly stop working after 30 years. They slowly produce a little less electricity each year. This is called solar panel degradation.

During the first 10 years, most panels are guaranteed to work at 90% of their original capacity.
From year 10 to 25 (or 30), it drops to about 80%.
After 30 years, you might still get good use out of them, but they won’t be as efficient as when they were new.

What Causes Solar Panel Degradation?

Several factors cause solar panels to slowly lose efficiency:

1. Weather Changes (Thermal Cycling):
When it’s hot, panels expand. When it’s cold, they contract.
This cycle causes tiny cracks (microcracks) in the solar cells over time.

2. Strong Winds:
Wind can make panels flex and move slightly, leading to small damages over the years.
Good quality installation helps avoid major issues.

3. Sunlight (UV Rays):
Sunlight powers your panels, but UV rays can also slightly damage them.
Most panels are built with UV protection, but some small degradation still happens, especially in the first few hours or days after installation. This is called Light-Induced Degradation (LID).

4. Other Weather Conditions:
Heavy snow, ice, humidity, and extreme temperatures can also wear down solar panels slowly.

How Fast Do Solar Panels Degrade?

• On average, solar panels lose about 1% of their efficiency each year.
  
• However, newer studies show that modern monocrystalline panels (the good-quality ones made after 2000) degrade at only 0.4% per year.
  
• After the first small drop due to LID, the yearly loss becomes very slow and steady.
  

How to Make Solar Panels Last Longer

You can take a few simple steps to extend the life of your solar panels:

1. Get a Professional Installation:
Work with certified experts who use high-quality panels and parts. A good installation means fewer problems later.

2. Choose the Right Spot:
Install panels in a location safe from falling branches, heavy winds, or debris.

3. Do Regular Maintenance:
While solar panels are mostly low-maintenance, occasional professional cleaning and system checks help spot small issues early.

4. Use Good Quality Equipment:
Pick panels and system parts from trusted brands to ensure longer life and better performance.

Conclusion

Solar panels naturally degrade over time, but they are still a smart investment that saves you money and helps the environment.
By choosing good quality products, installing them properly, and doing some basic maintenance, you can enjoy clean energy from your solar system for decades!

Looking to Go Solar in Madurai?

At Blue Bright Energy, we offer expert advice, top-quality installation , and trusted service to homes and businesses in Madurai.
Whether you need a rooftop system for your house or a bigger setup for your company, we’re here to help you start your solar journey the smart way.

Contact Blue Bright Energy – Your Solar Energy Partner in Madurai!