How Long Do Solar Panels Last? (2024 Guide)

Manufacturers design solar panels to last for decades. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar panels last between 20 and 30 years. Some well-made panels may even last up to 40 years.

Though solar panels won’t simply stop working after 25 years, their power production and efficiency will decline, meaning they’ll be less effective at converting the sun’s energy into power for your home. This decline in effectiveness is known as the solar panel degradation rate.

A 2015 study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% per year. This means that if you’ve had your panels for four years, your energy production will be 2% less than when you installed them. After 20 years, your energy production will be 10% less than when you got your panels.

Some manufacturers protect their solar panels with a power production guarantee. These clauses promise their products won’t dip below a certain production level or the company will replace or repair them. Some guarantees will even refund you for the panels. These guarantees are usually tied to high-quality solar panels with exceptional power output and efficiency rates.

High-quality solar panels have longer life spans than cheaper options. These are categorized as Tier One panels by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF). The BNEF rating system divides solar panels into several tiers: Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three. However, the BNEF doesn’t detail what constitutes Tier Two and Tier Three panels, only Tier One.

Tier One panels come from manufacturers with at least five years of experience, an excellent reputation and secure financing. Tier One panels are often the most expensive, but they offer the best power production and efficiency rating, making them a worthwhile investment. 

Two of the most popular types of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline, are classified as Tier One. Monocrystalline (mono) panels offer better efficiency ratings and higher power output, but they’re more expensive. Polycrystalline (poly) panels are more affordable but offer lower efficiency and output. Since mono panels are higher-quality, they have a lower degradation rate. Lower-efficiency poly panels lose efficiency faster than mono panels.

As your panels degrade, your solar panel system’s efficiency will gradually decline. Several factors aside from degradation rate can also impact your system’s efficiency.

Local Climate and Environment

Exposure to extreme weather conditions will reduce your solar panels’ life span. This includes harsh weather, such as hail, high winds and extreme temperatures. Long-term exposure to very high temperatures will reduce a panel’s efficiency, decreasing its ability to properly power your home. 

Solar Panel Installation

Rooftop solar panels must be installed with reliable racking systems. Proper installation prevents the panels from slipping or cracking, which could impact their performance. Experienced solar installers will properly secure your panels and prevent them from falling from your roof. Many solar providers include a workmanship warranty covering installation. This protects homeowners from faulty installations that lead to panel or system damage. 

Solar Panel Quality

Investing in high-quality solar panels prevents severe degradation and reduced output. Although your panels will still degrade, the drop won’t be as drastic as cheap solar panels. High-quality solar panels provide higher power output, better energy savings and a better return on investment (ROI). These panels use better solar cells to capture more sunlight for energy conversion. 

High-quality solar panels also have better warranty coverage. Standard warranties are 12 to 15 years, but they can be as long as 25 years for top-quality panels. These warranties will likely include the power guarantee mentioned above, protecting your panels’ long-term production.

Solar panel decline is unavoidable, but there are some steps you can take to protect your solar power system. Here’s how to keep your panels in optimal condition. 

Choose Reputable Solar Installers and Equipment

The type of solar panel you choose impacts your panels’ performance and longevity. Since purchasing a solar energy system is a large investment, you’ll want to buy the best equipment you can afford.

Check for available solar incentives, credits and rebates in your area to reduce your total installation costs. For example, you can use the federal solar tax credit to lower your up-front investment by 30%.

Investing in better solar panels can also improve your payback period, which is typically six to 10 years. Better solar systems produce more energy, providing more savings and improving your ROI.

In addition to quality equipment, you’ll need to find a reputable solar company. Research potential companies and check their experience, accreditations and brand reputation. Read about other homeowners’ experiences on reputable review sites. Also, review each company’s product catalog for their selection of high-quality panels, solar batteries and other solar accessories you may want.

Clean Your Solar Panels

Solar panels require minimal daily maintenance. Rainfall keeps them clean throughout the year. You may need to clean your panels occasionally if you experience heavy snowfall or are surrounded by trees that drop leaves or branches on your system. These obstructions could reduce your panels’ efficiency and lower your power production.

You’ll need to hire a professional to clean your solar panels in these instances. Check with your solar installer to see if panel cleaning services are included with your warranty coverage. If not, it may be offered as a stand-alone service.

Schedule Maintenance Checks and Panel Servicing

Regular maintenance and upkeep will maintain your system’s health and keep your solar panels in working condition. Many solar providers include maintenance checks in their warranties. This should cover all solar system components, including the solar inverter, racking mounts and any solar battery storage. Many moving parts go into an effective energy system, so it’s essential to have full system maintenance checks.  

Your provider may also include a system maintenance app that tracks your panels’ performance and energy generation. Contact your solar provider if you notice major declines in your system’s performance.

Even with 25-year warranty coverage and production guarantees, solar panels will eventually lose the ability to produce proper energy for your home. Your panels may continue to produce power, but the production rate will gradually drop until it’s insufficient to run your home. In rare cases, your panels could experience a power failure and stop producing power at all.

You’ll need to get your panels removed and replaced at this point. Your installer won’t cover this if you’ve exceeded your warranty.

Several factors affect solar panels’ life span, including their quality, your environment, and how well you maintain them. Although panel degradation is inevitable, you can invest in high-quality panels to preserve your system as long as possible. We recommend finding a reputable solar installer to ensure top-quality equipment and a trusted installation. Get quotes from at least three solar providers to find the best options.