With rising energy prices, it’s been a no-brainer for households to make the jump into solar panels. They’re environmentally friendly, use an infinite source of energy, and minimise electricity bills. However, a question multiple people might be wondering before they make the jump is the life expectancy of solar cells. 

This article will dive into the topic of solar panel lifespan, examining how long they last, what causes them to degrade, and tips to maintain them so they last the test of time.

How Long Does the Average Solar Panel Last

As it goes for many things in life, brand tends to be the deciding factor that best informs solar panel longevity. Products that are manufactured cheaply are constructed out of low-quality materials, resulting in a poor product.

A well-built solar panel will have a lifespan between 20 to 25 years. The best indicator of what an individual brand or product’s life span is will be its advertised warranty. The general rule of thumb is to replace solar panels when their efficiency falls below 80%. 

What Causes Solar Panel Degradation?

While solar panels receive energy from an infinite power source of the sun, the panels themselves are not immortal. There are many external elements that can affect the lifetime of solar panels. Solar panels can gradually lose their ability to create energy because of the deterioration of the silicon. This can happen due to:

Humidity Levels

The high humidity levels in many parts of Australia are a formidable solar panel risk. Poorly manufactured solar panels can weaken their frame. Excessive humidity can also lead to potential induced degradation (PID), which is a technical term to describe the gradual deterioration of efficiency in the solar cell due to high potential differences between the solar cell and other parts of the module. 

Thermal Cycling

As temperature changes from day to night, materials naturally expand and contract. This can affect the material joints, causing them to strain and deteriorate. Panels exposed to cold temperatures lower than -18 degrees Celsius can also cause major degradation, though thankfully, these low temperatures are rare in Australia. 

UV Damage

Australia has one of the highest UV indexes in the world due to the planet’s tilt. This gives us lovely sunny days, with the side effect of making us very close to the sun. Be wary of dubious manufacturers who don’t put proper UV blockers in the epoxy glue joining the solar panels together. 

How to Extend Solar Panel Lifespan

While you can’t predictably extend the average life of solar panels, you can take measures to prevent their early retirement. The key to solar panel longevity is in the installation phase. Buying high-quality solar panels that are resistant to UV degradation is one thing. But it’s what’s really key is getting qualified installation experts to install your solar panels. 

Good installers are vital for securing the long lifetime of solar panels. The most common place for a solar panel to be damaged isn’t during adverse weather, but shoddy installations. Installers not properly mounting the panels on the roof racking system, not connecting it properly to your electricity system, or even standing on the cells themselves. Investing in good solar installers is vital not just for the acquisition of the panels, but for the longevity of the solar-powered system you are buying.

Cleaning your panels is also a vital way to ensure your panels last a long time. If you live in an area where leaves, dirt, pollen, or animal droppings frequently fall on the solar panel’s surface, investing in regular cleaning for your panels is important to ensure their longevity. It isn’t just about making sure that there’s nothing blocking sunlight into your solar cells. Accumulated debris can cause electrical hot spots on the solar panel that can accelerate the degradation of your solar panels if you’re not careful. Taking these precautions will be fantastic at extending the average life of your solar panels.

Begin Your Solar Journey with SunEnergy

You should now have a good understanding of the life expectancy of solar cells. If you’re in Adelaide and on the lookout for accredited solar panel installers, you’ll be in safe hands hiring SunEnergy. Our award-winning retail and installation services are among the best in South Australia. 

Our point of difference is that we are a locally based Adelaide company with a physical office in the city. When you talk to us, you’re talking to real people whose specialty is answering questions and giving guidance on the best solar panels for your property. Every client is different, which is why we’re passionate about giving personalised support that will give clients decades’ worth of green, low-cost solar energy.

Ready to begin? Contact us today to get the best solar panel advice and installation.