Making the decision to add solar panels to your home can seem like a daunting investment, so reasonably one of the first questions people have when considering buying solar panels is, “How long do solar panels actually last?” While it is generally accepted that the average lifespan of the best solar panels is between 25-30 years, the answer to this isn’t so black and white, and actually depends more on you, and your overall maintenance of these solar panels.
It’s also worth noting that after this 25-30 year span, your solar system will not just stop working. They will just likely drop below what the solar panel manufacturers deem to be the optimal levels to meet the energy consumption needs of the average family. Recent research has shown that the operating capacity of the average solar panel degrades about 0.5% each year. Based on this rate of degradation, after a 25-year span, you can expect your solar panels to still be functioning at about 88% of its initial capacity. While this is still a decrease in the performance rate, it is definitely not cause to throw this investment away and start over. For more information on the lifespan of your solar system, energysage’s article, ‘How Long Do Solar Panels Last!’
If you are concerned and want to make your solar system perform better and last longer, there are some simple steps that you can take. Firstly, you can regularly clean your solar panels to ensure that they are free of debris or other materials that could possibly damage them. By removing dirt, leaves or fallen branches regularly, you are not only maximizing your possible energy absorption, but you are also removing elements that could be damaging the health of your solar system in the long term.
If you are uncomfortable with getting on the roof and cleaning your solar panels personally, you are in luck. There are numerous services available that will regularly service and monitor the health and maintenance of your solar system. This will help ensure the health of your solar system, and that you are getting the most out of your investment because your solar system will be running at their maximum efficiency levels.
You may be questioning whether or not to invest into a solar system for your home, but the benefits of solar power are extensive and it just makes sense in the long run. By making this pivot, you can save thousands of dollars in electricity and American Energy and Solar can help you bundle the solar panel cost into your mortgage. You want to make sure that you are getting the biggest bang for your buck, and by regularly cleaning and maintaining your solar panels, you can rest assured that you are making a good investment that will produce returns for decades to come.
Interested in talking Solar? Check out AES’s Contact Page to get in contact with our solar experts today!