How long can you expect solar panels to last before you need to replace or repair them? Here we explain the average lifespan, as well as how to maintain them.
The UK public is increasingly making use of solar energy.
In fact, by 2023, over 1.5 million households had solar panels in the UK.
This figure is estimated to triple by 2030, demonstrating that many people are reaping the rewards of free solar energy.
But how long do solar panels last in the UK?
And more specifically, how long are they likely to last in our climate?
Whether you’ve just had solar panels installed or are thinking about having them fitted in the future the longevity of your panels is an important consideration.
Let’s dive in...
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How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Key Points:
Solar panels typically have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Manufacturers often provide warranties for around 25 years.
Solar panels can still generate electricity beyond their warranty period but may experience a gradual decline in efficiency.
Well-maintained panels can retain around 80% of their original efficiency after 25 years.
Routine maintenance, monitoring, and addressing issues promptly can help maximise panel lifespan.
Solar inverters generally last around 10 to 15 years and may need replacement during the panel's lifespan.
Ongoing research aims to improve the longevity and efficiency of solar panels.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last in the UK?
In most cases, solar panels typically last between 25 and 30 years.
You can determine these figures by using the warranty period offered by the particular brand as a rough estimate since manufacturers are unlikely to offer a warranty period below their estimated lifespan.
The reason for such a long life is because the UK climate (despite its deserved complaints), is not particularly hostile.
Ultimately, the UK is much less exposed to extreme weather events than many other parts of the world.
Of course, with the climate changing, some extreme weather events will become more common such as heatwaves, but we should remain immune to other natural disasters like fully-fledged hurricanes.
So, returning to the original point, you can expect solar panels to last around 25-30 years before you notice a significant drop in their efficiency or power output.
However, that doesn’t mean they’ll be rendered non-functioning at and beyond that point in time.
They may well continue working for another decade or two, albeit with substantially lower efficiency than what they started with.
Of course, the 25-30-year ‘high-performance life expectancy is just an average and this can vary depending on the solar panel in question among other factors.
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Factors that Shape the Longevity of Solar Panels
So, what are the key factors which determine how long any given solar panel should last?
Or rather how long can you expect your solar panels to maintain the same level of efficiency and for how long?
Type and Quality of Solar Panels
Probably the most important factor is the type/quality of the panels in question.
You can generally judge how durable solar panels are by the warranty their manufacturer offers.
For instance, some solar panels have just a 12-year warranty (e.g., JA Solar JAM60S20 and Jinko Solar Tiger Neo 72HL4).
However, many other panels have a warranty ranging from 25-40 years and some even come with lifetime product or/and performance warranties.
One of our favourite solar panels on the market, the Rea Solar Fusion panels come with a 25-year insurance-backed warranty.
Nature of the Solar Installation
The quality of a solar panel installation is also important in shaping how long they are likely to last.
The installation quality, can, in turn, be shaped by how large the inverter is, the type of cable run, and what way your solar panels are angled.
Of course, either way, an MCS-accredited installer must fit your solar panels.
Any solar panel installer must be experienced and have all the necessary qualifications.
Aside from legal and safety concerns, having an MCS installer fit the panels will likely be necessary for the validity of your warranty.
Related solar guides:
Where Are You Located in the UK?
Your specific location in the UK is also relevant to how long solar panels may last.
After all, while the UK has a temperate climate, there are still variations throughout the nation.
If you were to install solar panels in a windy mountainous region where it tends to snow more in the winter, your solar panels may not last as long (all other things being equal) if they were installed in a suburban home in southern England.
Solar Panel Maintenance
It’s important that you take the steps necessary to maintain your solar panels. Of course, some forms of maintenance will be suitable for a DIYer (with the right skills and knowledge), while other forms of maintenance must be dealt with by a professional.
Still, learning about solar? Check out our guides on how many solar panels you need and how solar car charging works.
DIY Maintenance
It’s recommended that you give your solar panels a decent clean every 6-12 months.
With that said, after a period without much rain, you may want to give it an additional clean, making it up to three cleans a year or even more.
Before looking at how to clean your solar panels, there are some key safety steps you must take into account:
Whenever you attempt to clean your solar panels, always go with the manufacturer’s guide. Follow their steps to a T to keep on the safe side.
Proceed with caution when trying to access your solar panels, particularly if (as will likely be the case) they are fitted at a high-up point such as on your roof. For instance, if you were to use a ladder to reach them, you should always have a second person there to hold the ladder at the bottom. Otherwise, a simple slip could lead to a severe, potentially life-changing injury or death. If in any doubt, always hire a professional cleaner.
When cleaning solar panels, only touch their surface. Do not make contact with their wiring whatsoever. However, a professional solar panel cleaning service could clean the underside of your panels since they are trained for this type of work to ensure that no harm is done to the panels.
If you are comfortable with cleaning solar panels DIY and you have the right skills, knowledge, and safety awareness, here is what you can do:
Ideally, you want to clean your solar panels early in the morning or during the evening time. This is because their surface can become particularly hot throughout the day!
First and foremost, carefully sweep leaves and other debris off the surface of your panels with a soft-bristled brush.
With a light stream, spray your solar panels with a garden hose.
If you find that some areas do not clean easily, there is a way of dealing with these spots without scratching your panels. To do this, you want to use a soft cloth and warm water to carefully wipe them down. Proceed with caution either way, though, as you want to preserve your panels.
Aside from cleaning your solar panels, you can also remove anything (within reason) that may obstruct their ability to receive direct sunlight.
For instance, overhanging tree branches could be trimmed or removed. These branches could not only lower the output of your panels but cause damage over time if they were to fall onto your panels (which is likely to happen, particularly when bad weather strikes).
Again, you should only undertake this work if you are sure of what’s involved, and you must proceed with caution.
Once more, if using a ladder, you’ll need a second pair of hands to hold the ladder firm and steady. If in doubt, hire a professional.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
Professional maintenance
Obviously, you could hire a professional to clean your solar panels and/or remove obstructions.
However, there are certain tasks that must be undertaken by a professional either way.
If your solar panels are damaged or suddenly see a reduction in efficiency, you should hire a solar panel installer or similar professional to come out and take a look.
If there is damage, a solar panel may need to be replaced.
We have also reviewed the best solar panels and covered how long solar panels last in the UK.
Other maintenance tips
If applicable, an app-based monitoring system is a great way of keeping on top of your solar panels.
These apps can tell homeowners what the output of their solar panel system is. It means that if there is a sudden reduction in output, you’ll know.
These apps tend to allow those with solar panels to also monitor their cabling and connections.
All in all, the sooner you spot issues, the sooner they can be addressed, and ultimately, the better your panels’ life expectancy will be. Remain vigilant and watch out for signs of new shading over time.
A young tree in your garden would develop overhanging branches some years from now and it would be best to trim these branches before they become a potential hazard (e.g., hanging over your panels in a way that they could fall on them and cause damage).
What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too.
What is a Solar Panel’s Degradation Rate?
Solar panels degrade for a whole host of reasons, some of which we touched on in the previous section.
Solar panels generally age because of years or decades of UV rays exposure and face harsh weather conditions over time.
Also, higher temperatures can increase degradation over time.
Since the UK isn’t prone to many extreme weather events (even with climate change, many extreme events will remain rare or non-existent here), most panels will maintain around 96% of their original output after 20 years.
Temperature and ventilation are key to the longevity of solar panels, which is why solar panels fitted on a roof have higher efficiency than integrated solar panels.
Ventilation can make a big impact on how solar panels function and how long they last.
Solar panels ‘rate of degradation’ or ‘degradation rate’ describes how fast solar panels lose their output and efficiency over the years and decades.
Of course, the many factors discussed in today’s article can all come together to shape the rate of degradation for any given solar panel system.
And, therefore, efforts to maintain solar panels can reduce this rate and prolong their life expectancy.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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