Solar power is the future of providing electricity to homes and businesses worldwide, and now is the perfect time to join the trend of sustainable energy. Thirty-nine percent of households in the United States have given serious thought to breaking away from reliance on energy companies and installing solar panels. The benefits of solar energy are impossible to ignore. One of the primary concerns most homeowners face is how often do solar panels need to be replaced. The solar panel installation process is expensive. Replacing your home’s solar panels will send shudders down your spine.
Most homeowners are pushing the limits of their solar installation budget with the upfront costs. Luckily, you’ve found the perfect guide to learn more about the average solar panel lifespan, maintenance tips, and the benefits of investing in solar energy. Continue reading to set up your residential solar system today!
How Often Do Solar Panels Need to Be Replaced?
The million-dollar question homeowners want to know before committing to residential solar energy is how long their solar panels will last. A solar panel system is expensive to install for most homeowners. Replacing your panels is more money you must account for within your solar installation budget.
The best solar panels have a lifespan between 25 and 35 years. Your new solar panels may last longer than your home’s existing roof. The solar panel lifespan doesn’t mean the solar panels stop functioning by Year 25.
The lifespan focuses on the energy production your panels are capable of on that timeline. Efficiency measures how much power your panels produce, and the production degrades with time and wear. It’s best to find a solar panel provider with a solid warranty to protect your investment during the early years of your solar installation.
What Is the Degradation Rate?
Solar panels are similar to lithium batteries in that they degrade with time and use. Solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5 percent per year. A solar panel collecting energy for ten years will have degraded by 5 percent, resulting in lower power output.
Your panels should remain at 90 percent capacity by the 20-year mark of your solar panel installation. Look for solar panel providers with an extensive warranty program. The best providers offer warranty coverage that protects your panels for up to 25 years.
The policies vary between the solar panel manufacturers. It’s best to compare your options before settling on a provider for your residential power needs.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Lifespan
Now that you have some background on the expected lifespan of your solar panels, it’s wise to learn about the factors that cause your panels to degrade. Several factors come into play with the longevity of your residential solar system. Here’s a closer look at what to watch when maintaining your home’s panels.
The Climate
Your local climate plays a significant role in determining how long your solar panels will last. Extreme weather is one of the most notable causes of solar panel degradation. Hail, high temperatures, and severe wind will cause premature wear and tear for your panels.
Prolonged exposure to severe heat is another cause of a shorter solar panel lifespan. Consider the climate when determining if solar panels are ideal for your home. Summers in Arizona and Texas could result in premature solar panel replacements you didn’t account for.
The extreme weather and climate will reduce the power your panels produce. Talk with the experts at Blue Raven Solar to determine if a residential solar system is the best fit for your home and climate.
Panel Installation
The solar panel installation process can also affect the longevity of your home’s new solar panels. The solar panel provider must install the panels correctly to ensure you reap the full benefits of solar energy. A racking system on your roof is best to hold the panels in place.
Poor installation practices could cause the panels to slide off the rack and sustain damage. A slip or fall could crack the panel’s glass and damage the solar cells.
You can avoid these accidents by finding and hiring a reputable solar panel provider near you. Check their online reviews to learn about the quality of service.
Avoid solar panel installation companies with poor reviews. It’s the best way to ensure an efficient and functional solar energy system.
The best solar installers provide warranties for their work. You’ll enjoy peace of mind that your installation will be done well and covered for mistakes.
Panel Quality
With your solar installation budget, you get what you pay for when purchasing new solar panels. Paying for quality solar panels is the best approach since you’ll benefit from enhanced warranty coverage and slower degradation. Efficient solar panels will improve energy collection and allow your household to function perfectly.
The quality of the build materials prevents degradation and provides peace of mind. All solar panels lose efficiency over time, but the best panels will maintain their quality longer than cheaper alternatives. They’ll save you money in the long run.
You’ll identify the best panels by learning about their warranty coverage. The standard warranty in the solar industry is between 12 and 15 years, but the best panels carry a 25-year warranty. Look for power guarantees when choosing a solar panel provider to gain protection for equipment upgrades, panel replacement, and reimbursement for dysfunctional panels.
Tips for Solar Panel Longevity
As a homeowner, you can also do things to improve and maintain your panels’ longevity. You can’t halt degradation and efficiency completely, but you can take measures to slow it down. You’ll save money when improving the solar panel lifespan.
Use these tips to get more energy and a longer lifespan from your solar panel installation.
Find the Best Solar Panel Provider
Choosing cheap solar panel options is tempting when creating your solar installation budget. Avoid the temptation and stick with top-quality panels and installers for your energy needs. You’ll experience lower power production and cost yourself more money in the future.
If you’re worried about the price of your solar panels, consider using government tax incentives to save money. They’ll offset a significant chunk of the installation cost. The US government wants to make clean and sustainable energy more affordable.
You can also find incentives from your local and state governments to pile up savings. It’s the best way to make your solar installation budget go further. You’ll be able to afford the best solar equipment that will function for decades.
Clean Your Solar Panels
It’s also critical to learn how to clean your solar panels. Allowing your panels to collect dust, debris, and bird droppings puts them on the fast track to a shorter lifespan. Part of your responsibility is to clean and maintain your investment. Natural rainfall is often enough to keep your panels clear and efficient.
Debris that doesn’t wash away with the rain will result in less efficient energy collection. It’s a good rule of thumb to clean your solar panels twice annually. You’ll take the first step toward restoring functionality and enjoying the benefits of clean energy.
Consider your cleaning methods if you live in a snowy climate. Snow will cover your panels and prevent them from collecting the available energy from the sun. Some solar panel providers include panel cleaning as part of your warranty coverage.
Perform Routine Maintenance
Regular checks on all components of your residential solar system are critical to keep your solar panels functioning as designed. The panels are one of many essential cogs of the system that produces clean energy for your family. Solar power systems include several moving parts that convert the sun’s energy into clean electricity.
The inverter and solar batteries are the two most integral parts to monitor for your residential solar system. The inverter is the device that converts the energy into electricity. Your solar batteries store excess energy to ensure you have power should the grid go down for an extended period.
Both of these parts of your residential solar system include warranty coverage. Inspecting them on a schedule allows you to identify any performance issues before they occur. You’ll catch the issues and notify the solar panel provider of the problem.
The warranty coverage protects you from paying more for repairs or replacement parts out of pocket. Your solar company will send a qualified technician to examine the issue and make the necessary changes to allow for sustainable energy production.
The best solar panel provider includes routine check-ups as part of your warranty coverage. Use these services to protect and maintain your solar panels to avoid unexpected replacements.
Now You Know the Solar Panel Lifespan
Knowing how often solar panels need to be replaced is vital when saving money for a solar installation budget. Solar panels are expensive to purchase and install, but quality panels should last between 25 and 35 years.
The climate and your maintenance routine will determine your solar panel lifespan. Find a solar panel provider with extensive warranty coverage to protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
Solar technology is crucial to lowering your home’s carbon footprint and adding curb appeal. Explore other exciting home upgrades with our engaging Home and Real Estate content today!
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