How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

On average, solar panels last about 25 years. However, the lifespan depends on a number of factors, including:

• Brand
• Installation
• Environment
• Backup Battery
• Warranties

When considering solar panels for your California or Colorado home, it’s important to learn about these lifespan factors. Otherwise, you could still be paying off your panels before seeing a substantial return on investment.

To help you choose the right panels for your long-term budget and goals, we’ll explain each factor below.

Brand

Certain brands of solar panels are made with higher quality materials. Therefore, the brand of solar panels you choose to install will greatly impact how long they last.

For example, Photon Brothers is an exclusive installer of REC’s award-winning solar panels. Made with advanced cell connection technology, REC panels will still deliver 92% efficiency after 25 years. In comparison, conventional panels will drop to 80% or less of their normal power output during that same 25 year period (and often well before it). 

While it’s true that certain brands cost more than others, when you factor in higher energy yields long-term, the investment proves to be worth it. Your panels will last longer before needing to be replaced, and you’ll get more bang for your buck in the end.

Installation

The quality of installation will also impact how long your panels last. If poorly installed by a novice contractor, you risk faulty wiring, improper placement, and serious damage to your roof. When left untreated, these problems can lead to expensive repairs, or worse— a sooner than necessary solar system replacement.

To ensure the highest quality of solar panel installation possible, Photon Brothers is proud to keep all labor in-house. Our team of master electricians and solar engineers will ensure your job gets done safely, on time, and with laser attention to detail. It’s also why customers leave us 5‑star reviews on Google, Yelp, Nextdoor, EnergySage, and more.

Environment

Environmental factors can reduce your solar panels’ lifespan.

For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather and temperature variations (e.g. hail storms, heavy snowfall, high humidity, etc.) your panels will endure more wear and tear. Depending on the material of your panels, or how well you maintain them after a weather-related event, you could need to replace your panels sooner than necessary.

As we mentioned above, certain solar panel brands use higher quality materials which can withstand harsh environments. So if you live in a tougher climate, it pays to invest in durable panels that will serve you for years to come.

Backup Battery

When the sun is shining, your solar panels are channeling a considerable amount of energy. Especially around high-noon, when the sun is strongest. Depending on your daily routines, you may not be able to use 100% of your energy supply. This puts stress on your panels, which can shorten their lifespan.

To alleviate the power burden, it’s recommended that you install a backup battery. As your solar panels charge throughout the day, any excess power will be stored in your battery bank. That way, you can draw from it at night or on cloudy days. And as a bonus, your panels’ long-term efficiency won’t be threatened.

Want to learn more about battery storage options? Contact Photon Brothers for honest, expert advice and upfront pricing on the industry’s best solar batteries. 

Warranties

Last but not least, product warranties will impact the lifespan of your solar panels.

Premium panels from top brands like REC, Silfab, LG, Panasonic and others tend to offer a 25-year product warranty, including a power output guarantee of 90% and up over that 25-year timeframe.

On the other hand, conventional panels may only come with a 10-year product warranty, and without any power output guarantees. Meaning, you’re not guaranteed that your panels will produce the same level of efficiency throughout that 10-year period.

More often than not, lower end panels with limited product warranties tend to wear out faster, and you’ll end up having to replace them sooner than desired. Whereas with premium panels, you can enjoy them longer, and with increased performance and energy savings.