Investing in solar panels reduces your energy costs and generates long-term savings — especially in a sunny state like Arizona. However, there’s a limit to how long solar panels last. With that in mind, do solar panels still hold their value as a worthwhile investment? This guide will explore how long solar panels last and the factors that impact their longevity on a typical Arizona home.
The Lifespan of Solar Panels
Solar panels gradually lose performance when exposed to sunlight and weather conditions. The solar panel degradation rate expresses how much your solar panels’ power output drops over time. This is usually expressed as a percentage of lost annual power output. Most solar panels lose about 0.5% of their power each year. So, if your panels have been working for five years, they’d make 2.5% less power than when they were new. If we use this rate for panels that are 20 years old, they’d only produce 90% of the power they did when they were brand new.
While degradation is inevitable, advances in solar technology have produced more resilient and dependable panels with lower degradation rates, so you can feel confident about installing them. Solar panels also offer different warranties that shed light on their lifespan. The manufacturer’s warranty typically covers equipment defects for 20-25 years. Some installers like Solar Optimum even provide a 25-year performance guarantee, ensuring your system meets or exceeds initial production estimates throughout its lifespan.
What Affects a Solar Panel’s Lifespan?
While complete prevention of panel degradation may not be possible, you can certainly take steps to slow down the process. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you keep your panels in prime condition.
Regular Cleaning
In general, solar panels require little to low daily maintenance. The natural rainfall keeps the surface of your panels clean most of the time. However, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and debris can accumulate on the surface of your solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency. Regularly clean them using a soft cloth, water, and a gentle cleanser to ensure maximum sunlight absorption.
Trim Trees and Plants
Keep an eye on nearby trees, buildings, or any objects that could cast shadows on your panels during different times of the day. Even partial shading can impact the overall performance of your solar array.
Professional Inspection
Schedule periodic inspections by a qualified solar technician to identify potential issues early on. They can spot problems like loose connections, damaged wiring, or malfunctioning components that might contribute to degradation.
How Solar Optimum Can Help
Are you thinking about installing a solar panel system in Arizona? Smart move. But to get the most from your panels, you need to team up with a trusted installer. They should be known for quality work and excellent customer service. That’s where we come in. At Solar Optimum, we cover all of Maricopa County, including Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Surprise, Wickenburg, Youngtown, and more.
Ready to learn more about our 25-year warranty guarantees for solar panel installation? Contact us today to start your free quote!
