How Long Solar Panels Last and How to Extend Their Lifespan

Installing solar panels in your home or business is a significant investment, and the last thing you want to deal with is having a solar system that falls short of the lifespan you expected it to reach. As such, it’s crucial to know how long your solar panels will last and how you can extend their life to get the most out of your investment.

That being said, let’s discuss the average lifespan of solar panels in Australia and provide practical tips on how to maintain and extend the life of your solar panels:

How Long Do Solar Panels Last in Australia?

The lifespan of solar panels varies depending on factors such as the quality of the solar panel, the materials used, and the installation process. However, most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, which means that they are guaranteed to produce a certain amount of electricity for 25 years. This warranty is a good indicator of how long solar panels are expected to last.

It’s important to note that solar panels don’t suddenly stop working after 25 years. Instead, their efficiency gradually declines over time. On average, solar panels lose about 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency each year. This means that after 25 years, your solar panels might still be operating at around 75% to 85% of their original capacity.

How to Extend the Life of Your Solar Panels

To maximise the life of your solar panels, here are a few things you can do:

1. Choose High-Quality Solar Panels

Investing in high-quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers is essential to ensure a long-lasting solar system. High-quality solar panels are made with durable materials and are more likely to withstand harsh weather conditions, which is particularly important in Australia’s diverse climate.

2. Proper Installation

Having your solar panels installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer is crucial for the longevity of your solar system. Proper installation ensures that your solar panels are securely fastened and positioned correctly to capture sunlight efficiently. This will help to prevent any damage to the solar panels and prolong their lifespan.

3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your solar panels functioning at their optimal level. It’s important to keep your solar panels clean and free from dust, dirt, and bird droppings that can accumulate over time and reduce their efficiency. In most cases, rainfall will clean the panels, but if you live in an area with minimal rainfall or high levels of dust, you may need to clean your solar panels more frequently.

4. Monitor Your Solar Panel Performance

Regularly monitoring the performance of your solar panels can help you detect any issues early on. Many solar panel systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track your solar panel’s efficiency and energy production. If you notice a significant drop in performance, it could indicate an issue that needs to be addressed, such as dirty panels, shading, or a malfunctioning component.

5. Protect Your Solar Panels from Pests

Birds, possums, and other small animals can cause damage to your solar panels by building nests or chewing on wiring. Installing critter guards or mesh around your solar panels can help to keep pests away and protect your solar panels from damage.

6. Regular Inspections

Lastly, it’s a good idea to have your solar panel system inspected by a professional every few years to ensure everything is functioning correctly and to identify any potential issues. This can help to prolong the life of your solar panels and maintain their efficiency.

Conclusion

Solar panels are a long-lasting and durable source of clean energy for your home or business in Australia, and it is a smart investment for you to make to live a greener life. That said, by investing in high-quality solar panels, ensuring proper installation, and following a regular maintenance schedule, you can extend the life of your solar panels and maximise your return on investment, ensuring plenty of sustainable energy for your home for years to come.

Green Bank provides an extensive selection of solar products in Australia, such as solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, and off-grid solar systems. If you are looking for a 13 kWh solar system and more, check out what we offer!