How Long Do Solar Pv Panels Last

Over their lifetime panels very slowly degrade meaning they may produce less and less electricity.

How long do solar pv panels last.

You can count on most photovoltaic solar panels to last 25 years before they begin to noticeably degrade. However if you re looking for off grid battery based pv inverters you can expect much shorter lifespans ranging from 2 10 years depending on the manufacturer. Solar inverters lifespan can vary as most string inverters life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years whereas some microinverters and dc optimizers are rated to last 20 to 25 years. On the contrary film panels usually last for a period not exceeding 5 years.

High quality equipment makes a difference visit the energysage buyer s guide to compare panels side by side. Most solar panel companies will provide a standard 25 year warranty for the expected life expectancy of the solar panels. Assuming the end of a solar panel s life means that it will no longer produce electricity anymore then the lifespan of a solar panel is approximately 200 years 05 degradation per year. Solar panels usually last for 25 to 30 years.

1 however this doesn t mean the panels on your roof will stop producing electricity after a couple of decades. Homeowners will undoubtedly replace the panels and system long before that to maximize their roof space and aesthetics.