There’s always a calm before the storm, at least there is when you look back at it. I can seem to remember a brief moment in time last Saturday where everything was still and quiet. And then, the wind gusts of 50-70 miles per hour picked up and it started hailing. Hail in our area of Pennsylvania? Let alone in early spring?
About an hour later, we lost power, completely. The house was pitched quickly into darkness, and the furnace stopped running (we had the furnace on as a residual heat back up to our duct-less mini-split system). It was 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but was expected to fall to the lower 30s that night. The power company was still assessing the widespread damage throughout our service area.
We didn’t have power for four days, with Pennsylvania spring temperatures ranging from mid-20s to 50 degrees; it was a whirlwind. We are actually working on getting a solar energy system installed on our roof this year, but all we could do for four days was wait and talk about our upcoming solar installation (hopefully in May!).
We’re working towards self-sufficiency and adding a “power plant” to our home that will last for decades to come is a big part of that plan. We want to grow all of our own food, herbs, medicines, and yes, produce our own power. We’ve looked into windmills, solar panels, geothermal, and biomass as possible power sources.
As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy, solar energy has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, and is our first choice for creating our home power grid. However, as with any investment, it’s important to consider questions like how long will the solar panels last.
So, how long will you get peak energy before your solar panels degrade? Are they worth the sticker shock when receiving installation quotes?
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Solar Power Explained
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are designed to capture the energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. When sunlight hits a solar panel, the solar PV cells absorb the energy and release electrons. The electrons then move through the cells and create an electrical current.
This electrical current is sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity which is the type of electricity most homes utilize. This electricity is then sent to your home’s electrical panel, where it can be distributed throughout your house.
Essentially, the panels work by harnessing the energy from the sun and converting it into usable electricity that can power everything in your home. It’s a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce your dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, as well as lower your energy bills.
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Life Expectancy
While the industry standard life expectancy for a solar system is 25 to 30 years, several factors can affect the longevity of your solar panels. Here are some of the key factors that can impact the lifespan of your panels:
- Climate: Extreme weather events such as hail, snow, or high winds can damage your panels or other parts of your system, reducing their lifespan. If you are thinking about mounting the panels on your roof, your roof is considered part of your solar system. Similarly, exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause panels to degrade faster.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your panels. Regular cleaning can remove dirt and debris that can block sunlight and reduce panel efficiency. Additionally, monitoring panel performance can help detect any issues early and prevent further damage.
- Quality: The quality of solar panels can vary widely, with some panels lasting longer than others. High-quality panels may cost more upfront but can provide better performance and a longer life expectancy.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the longevity of your solar project. Panels that are installed incorrectly or in a location with poor sun exposure may not perform as well and may degrade faster.
It’s important to keep these factors in mind when considering the lifespan of your solar panels. By choosing high-quality panels, maintaining them properly, and ensuring proper installation, you can help extend the life of your solar energy system and maximize it’s efficiency over time.
Average Lifespan of Solar Panels
Solar panels are popular as a reliable and sustainable source of energy since most people get sunlight reliably, at least part of the day; whereas a wind-source energy can be slightly more unpredictable . But how long do solar panels last?
The industry standard lifespan for solar panels is normally between 25 and 30 years. However, the latest solar panelmodels on the market have an expected lifecycle of 40-50 years, and warranties that will keep them protected for at least half of that time.
Over their lifetime, solar cells will very slowly degrade, meaning the panels may produce less and less electricity as the years go by. The rate of degradation varies depending on factors such as the quality of the panel and the environmental conditions it is exposed to. However, most solar panels after 25 years are still reliably producing at least 80% of their original power output.
It’s important to note that the lifespan of a solar panel is not the same as its warranty period. While most solar panelwarranties cover 25 years, this does not mean that the panels will stop working after that time. Rather, it means that the manufacturer guarantees that the panels will produce a certain amount of power for at least 25 years.
Regular maintenance and cleaning can help extend the life of solar panels. Keeping them free of dirt, debris, and other obstructions can help to ensure that they continue to produce electricity efficiently for many years to come.
Solar Panel Warranties
Most solar panels come with two types of warranties: a performance warranty and a product warranty.
A performance warranty is from the solar panel manufacturer. This warranty ensures your solar panels will produce a certain amount of electricity over a specified period of time, usually 25 years. If the panel fails to meet the guaranteed performance levels, the manufacturer will either repair or replace your solar panels for free.
A product warranty, on the other hand, covers any defects in the materials or workmanship of the panel itself. This type of warranty typically lasts for 10-15 years and may include coverage for things like delamination, corrosion, and other types of damage.
It’s important to note that warranties can vary between different manufacturers and models of solar panels. It’s always a good idea to carefully review the warranty information provided before making a purchase. Additionally, make sure you are working with a reputable installer who can help you understand the warranty and ensure that any necessary repairs or replacements are handled quickly and efficiently. Sites like EnergySage, and even the Better Business Bureau can help you look into reviews on your installer.
Cost of Solar Panel Installation
The cost of residential solar panels can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and type of solar system you choose, where you live, and the installer you work with. In general, the cost of solar panels has been steadily decreasing over the past decade as the technology has become more efficient and widely adopted.
As of 2021, the average cost of a solar panel system in the United States is between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt. This means that a typical 6 kW solar panel system, which is thought to be large enough to power the average American home, could cost between $15,000 and $21,000 before any tax credits or incentives are applied.
It’s important to note that the cost of solar panels does not include installation, which can add an additional 20-30% to the total cost of the system. However, many states and local governments offer rebates, tax credits, and other incentives that can help offset the cost of installation and make solar more affordable. It is an absolutely mess trying to navigate all the incentives and rebates. A reputable solar installer should be able to help guide you.
Price Per Watt Example
To put in into perspective, our 2-person household (and 6 fur babies) is installing a 12.8 kW system, which will produce about 1221 kW per month. With installation costs, and NO rebates or credits factored in, our system is about $3.50/watt. Since we’ve moved away from our fuel oil furnace to our electric mini-split system our average monthly energy usage is 1500 kW and our proposed system doesn’t 100% cover all of our energy needs. We’re moving forward in the hopes that as we replace some of our home’s older appliances and insulate the unfinished basement, our energy usage continues to drop more towards the “Average American Home” consumption.
In general, the cost of solar panels has been decreasing over time, while the efficiency and performance of solar technology has been improving. This makes solar a more attractive and cost-effective option for homeowners who are looking to reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. We are soooo excited to be moving forward with our solar project this year. If we can lower our energy consumption and cover all of our energy needs with our solar system, I think our home will be carbon negative. Carbon negative meaning our home and land take back more carbon than they produce, not adding to greenhouse gas production at all.
Maintenance to Make your Solar Panels Last Longer
Solar panels are a long-term investment that can provide clean energy for decades; we’re hoping it’s a once in a lifetime thing since our house is our “Forever Home.” However, just like with any investment, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it last as long as possible. Here are some ways to extend the lifespan of your solar panels:
Regular Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. To avoid this, it’s important to clean them regularly, at least once a year. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent to gently clean the panels. Avoid using abrasive materials or high-pressure water, as this can damage the panels. We think we probably get enough rain and snow in Western PA that our panels won’t become too dirty, too fast; we’ll probably clean then twice a year when we clean the gutters on our home as well.
Professional Tune-Ups
It’s important to have your solar panels professionally assessed periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. A professional assessment can detect any issues early on and prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line; similar to having your HVAC system tuned-up yearly.
Performance Monitoring
Monitoring the performance of your solar panels can help you identify early issues as well. There are many tools available that can help you monitor the performance of your solar panels, such as solar panel monitoring software and apps.
Routinely Check for Damage
This goes together with monitoring your panels. Regularly inspect your solar panels for any signs of damage, such as cracks or scratches. If you notice any damage, contact a professional to repair it.
Trim Nearby Trees
Trees and branches can cast shadows on your solar panels, reducing their output. Trim any trees or vegetation that may block the sunlight from reaching your panels. In addition, the more trees you have over or near your panels could lead to more damage caused to your panels in the long run.
Install Bird Barriers
If you live in an area with many birds, it’s important to install bird barriers to prevent them from nesting under the panels. Bird droppings can damage the panels and reduce their efficiency. This might be something the Boyfriend and I have to look into after installation. Since we live near multiple farming fields, there are always birds scattered throughout our yard.
Another thing we may need to consider for our installation are snow barriers to prevent snow from quickly sliding off the panels as it begins to melt.
Choose High-Quality Panels
Investing in high-quality solar panels can help extend your solar panel’s lifespan. High-quality panels are made with durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and resist corrosion.
By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your solar panels and ensure they provide clean energy for many years to come.
Thinking of Going Solar?
According to industry standards, average solar panels will last 25 to 30 years. This means that after you have solar panels installed, the panels will continue to produce energy for decades to come; however, the solar panel degradation rate after that time is an important consideration. The rate at which solar panel degradation can occur over time can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of materials used and the amount of sunlight the panels receive.
While a solar panel’s lifecycle may seem relatively short compared to other investments, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of owning a solar power system and what you can do to extend the life of your solar panels. Not only can solar panels help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on energy bills, but they can also increase the value of your property. So, if you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer and solar installer to ensure that your investment will last for years to come.
We’re ready! After five years of research, we are finally ready to make the leap and are looking forward to our solar installation, hopefully in May! But the road to getting here hasn’t been easily navigated, efficient, or entirely trust-building. I’m hoping this is one of many posts to come about our solar installation process from start to finish, in an effort to help you on your journey to create your own power grid. Let me know your thoughts on solar power in the comments below, are you thinking that solar panels may be in your future as well?
