What is the lifespan of Solar Panels?

Are you interested in making the switch to solar energy by installing solar panels on your home? If so, it’s helpful to understand the expected lifespan of a solar panel system.

Solar panels are a fantastic long-term investment that can help homeowners save thousands of dollars on their energy bills. They are also incredibly beneficial to the environment, given that they do not generate greenhouse gases. This is in stark contrast to non-renewable energy sources such as oil and coal.

In this article, we will highlight the typical lifespan of solar panels and the specific factors that can affect solar panel lifespan in Australia.

How long will Solar Panels last?

Speaking broadly, photovoltaic solar panels can be expected to last for approximately 25 years. After this, you may notice the performance of your solar panels start to degrade. The solar degradation rate refers to the annual reduction in a solar panel’s ability to effectively absorb sunlight.

The better quality the solar panel, the lower the annual degradation rate will be. Leading solar panels today have an annual degradation rate of around 0.30%. If you begin to notice that your energy bill is creeping back up after the 25-year period, it may be a sign that the solar panel system is not functioning as efficiently as it once did.

If you would like more information on the best solar panels for your home, chat to one of our solar experts by visiting on our contact page.

Factors that affect Solar Panel Lifespan

There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a solar panel system in Australia.

Environmental Factors

Some of the more common facts that play a role in limiting the lifespan of your solar panels include environmental factors, such as:

• Thermal cycling,
• Humidity levels,
• Wind, and
• UV damage.

Opting for good quality solar panels and ensuring that they are regularly cleaned and serviced can help to reduce the impact of environmental conditions.

Solar Panel Installation

Solar panels that are incorrectly installed are also more likely to have issues than panels that were professionally installed. Always choose an experienced company to ensure that your solar system is installed to last. On the Gold Coast, we pride ourselves on being your premier choice for solar installations.

Solar Maintenance

In order to properly maintain your solar panels, we recommend contacting a trusted local solar maintenance company. It’s important for the lifespan of your solar panels, the warranty of your solar system and your own health and safety that you don’t attempt to clean your solar panels. A solar repair company will be able to assist in cleaning them for you as well servicing all the components of your solar system so that your solar panels can keep operating at maximum efficiently all year round.

Should you ever notice any damage to your system or a reduction in output, it is important to schedule a professional service. This will help to ensure that your system continues to operate at the highest possible level for as long as possible.

Discover the benefits of Solar Panels for yourself

The bottom line is that a solar power system last for 25 to 30 years before you’ll begin to see any noticeable changes. Despite this, your solar system will still continue to generate electricity. Ensuring that your system is professionally installed, routinely cleaned and serviced will help to prolong its lifespan.

Ready to go solar? For your next solar panel installation, choose SolarEze. We have more than 15 years of industry experience and are committed to outstanding customer service.

Contact our team today to learn more.