How long does solar panels last

What is a 'lifespan' of a solar panel?

However, “lifespan” doesn’t mean your panels suddenly stop working after three decades—it simply means their solar efficiency has declined to about 80% or lower. Many systems continue generating power well beyond their warranty period, though at a reduced capacity. The key factor here is solar degradation.

Do solar panels need to be replaced after 25 years?

After 25 years, your solar panels won’t necessarily need to be replaced; however, their ability to absorb sunlight will be reduced. In this blog, we’ll explain how long solar panels last, review solar panel degradation rates, and ways to make sure your solar panels last as long as possible.

When does a solar panel expire?

The “20% rule” refers to the point at which a solar panel has lost around 20% of its original efficiency, usually after 25 to 30 years of use. Panels are generally considered to have reached the end of their warranted life once they drop below 80% of their initial performance.

What happens to solar panels after 25 years?

After 25 years, your solar panels will likely still generate electricity, but at a lower efficiency. At this stage, you have three main options: keep them in service if they’re still performing well; upgrade to newer, more efficient models; or recycle them through an approved solar panel recycling scheme.