Solar energy has gone from being a bet for the future to becoming a reality. These installations, which prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, are a safe bet, as they boast ever-increasing lifespans and performance. POWEN, a leading company in energy self-consumption, explains the key improvements in solar panels.
How long do solar panels last?
Photovoltaic solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. After this time, the installation continues to produce electricity, albeit in smaller quantities. Their versatility makes them ideal for withstanding strong winds, significant weather changes, and, of course, other potential external factors.
A good indicator of a solar panel's durability is the manufacturer's warranty. On one hand, you have an equipment or product warranty that protects against manufacturing defects (10 or 12 years). On the other hand, you have a performance or manufacturing warranty that ensures your panels won't fall below 80% of their rated performance within 25 years.
When do they start to lose their usefulness?
A decade ago, the annual degradation of solar panel performance was 0.8%. Therefore, after 25 years, the installation was still operating at 80% of its capacity. However, over the years, this degradation has decreased to 0.5%, so after 25 years, the performance of the panels increases to 87.5%.
If instead of standard panels we have higher quality panels, after that estimated time, they will have a production capacity of 92.5% with only 0.3% degradation per year.
The key to increasing the lifespan of solar panels is proper maintenance. The installation should include regular inspections and be carried out in a location free of elements that could soil or damage the panels, as this accelerates panel deterioration and reduces energy production.
When should you replace your solar panels?
The time to replace your current installation with a more modern one is when the solar panels have not been properly maintained, when some of the parts break down, or when the energy they generate no longer meets your energy needs.
Installing photovoltaic panels is becoming easier and more accessible.
Source: The Energy Newspaper
