How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels typically last 25-30 years. Like any other technology, a solar panel will experience some degradation over time. Most panels available today have a 0.5% degradation rate each year, so after 20 years of use, your panels will still produce at 90% capacity. This means that even at 50 years, the panels may still produce energy, at a slower rate than when it was new. With proper maintenance and cleaning, your solar panels can last even longer than expected.
You’ll also want to partner with a solar company that can offer additional protection for your system like extended warranties, insurance, or maintenance plans. Solar panels are incredibly durable, and should last for decades to come! MexLucky’s solar panel systems are guaranteed to work for 25 years. Throughout that time, we maintain long-term relationships with our customers. We will maintain and upkeep your solar panel system through the system’s entire lifespan. Our 25-year production guarantee gives our customers peace of mind knowing their investment is secure.
Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
Solar panels are easy to maintain — but to keep production stable, you should get them cleaned once a year. If you live in an area that tends to have a lot of dust, this may affect your production, in which case you’ll want to get them cleaned more often. You’ll want to keep an eye on your system’s functionality by reviewing your energy bills and usage month-to-month. If your electric bill starts creeping up, it may be time to clean your solar panels. If you are in an area that gets rain regularly, your panels will likely get the right amount of cleaning and produce plenty of energy! It’s essential to monitor your solar production on your monitoring app so you can address any issues right away.
There are many different companies that offer panel cleaning on an annual or bi-annual basis. For those who prefer to DIY, another option would be to purchase an extendable pole with a window cleaning tool. This, along with a garden hose, should be able to handle any panel cleaning needs that your system has. Plain water works the best, as more potent chemicals can interact with your solar panels in negative ways. Solar panels get hot, so you will want to clean your panels on overcast days and when temperatures are low.
In addition to knowing how long solar panels last, knowing how long your solar batteries last allows you to be proactive when taking care of your solar battery, which can prolong the lifespan to exceed the 10-year warranty.
How long do solar batteries last?
Most solar batteries on the market today come with a 10-year warranty; however, the lifespan is closer to 20 years. It’s essential to have your solar battery in an area that is protected from extreme weather.
There are different kinds of solar batteries, but the most common solar battery available for your home today is made with lithium-ion. A battery’s lifespan will depend on how many times your battery charges and discharges. Each manufacturer will differ in how the battery connects to your solar panel system and how much charge it will hold. Battery technology continues to evolve and become more and more efficient! The one constant across all brands of solar batteries is that you will have backup power for your home if the grid goes down.
Learn more about the 5 advantages of going solar and how many panels your household will need. Or, contact our team if you’re ready to go solar!