How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
UK Homeowner Guide
What we discuss
Introduction
Understanding the lifespan of solar panels is paramount for homeowners contemplating solar installation. Having this knowledge empowers homeowners to make strategic choices that align with their financial goals, environmental aspirations, and energy independence objectives.
If you’re just starting your solar energy journey, we recommend reading our How Solar Energy Work blog for a good starting point.
The Lifespan of Solar Panels
The exact lifespan of solar panels can vary depending on a number of factors, most residential solar panels last an average of 25 years. It is generally an industry standard by most manufacturers to offer a warranty on solar panels of between 25-30 years. Studies have shown that solar panels can continue to generate electricity beyond their warranty period, with degradation rates typically ranging from 0.25% to 0.5% per year. Experienced installers will tell you that after this 25 year period, you are likely to start to notice the degradation in terms of lower efficiency and energy output.
Residential solar panel systems have been around for some time, so we do have a lot of existing use cases and experiences to draw from when talking about solar panel life spans. The first modern solar panel installation for a residential building was as far back as 1973. Numerous real-world examples and case studies demonstrate the longevity of solar panels. From residential installations to large-scale solar farms, many solar energy systems have continued to operate efficiently for decades, providing reliable renewable energy to consumers.
Now, estimates vary, but according to Money Saving Expert, you can expect to save upward of £400 per year on your energy bill. Over 25 years from a single installation, you are looking at a substantial saving. Not to mention the potential of receiving credit (if eligible) from the grid companies if you have surplus electricity.
This is why we are confident in the longevity of solar panels and the real energy and financial saving effects they produce.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Lifespans
There is always going to be factors outside of your control that affect lifespan. Inclement weather being the main culprit. For this blog, we are sticking to the factors we can control:
Quality
First and foremost, we always recommend quality PV panels from reputable manufacturers. As they say; buy nice or buy twice. Buying cheaper, less reliable solar panels can lead to shortened life expectancy and replacements in a shorter time period. As a rule of thumb manufacturers that offer 25+ year warranties tend to provide good quality solar panels as they are prepared to stand by their products with long term warranty agreements. Through our Solar Panel Service we only provide solar panels we know to be high quality and durable.
Installation
It goes without saying using an experienced and accredited installer is a must to ensure you get an effective solar panel energy system. Always look out for MCS accredited installers. At Recharge Renewable we are MCS accredited and we also follow strict guidelines that govern how we price our services. This ensures we provide a high standard in customer service, exceptional installation quality and fair, honest prices. If you have more questions about installation standards, feel free to Contact Us so we can talk you through it.
Cleaning
The surface of your solar panels must remain clean and clear of debris. Over time, leaves, litter or residue from rain/snow can accumulate and obscure the solar cells. Keeping on top of the cleaning prevents damage like chips and scratches which could cause degradation or loss of efficiency. This is a simple task, but it can be difficult to execute. Most residential solar panels are installed on the roof of properties that many homeowners won’t have easy access to. It is therefore advised you use a professional service. At Recharge Renewable we offer this service for our customers. Likewise your own installer, should you have used another provider, is likely to offer this service.
Maintenance
This leads us on nicely to a related point, solar panel maintenance. You will be aware that the solar energy systems are quite complicated and maintenance of these systems is crucial for their effectiveness over the long term. Over time chips may form, inverters may need to be replaced or simple maintenance checks may need to be performed. This is a vital service that we offer to new and existing customers; Contact Us today if you have requirements for this service. Think of it like an MOT for your energy system. Be sure to contact us so we can recommend when you might need a maintenance service scheduled.
Which Solar Panels Last Longest?
There are actually several different types of solar panels, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In the UK there is about 7-9 types used for various purposes. We could talk about the types of solar panels all day, perhaps in a future blog. This time however, we will cover the main types used for most residential and commercial solar panel energy systems.
The two main types are known as 1st Generation solar panels. This is Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from single-crystal silicon. They have a uniform black color and a higher efficiency rate compared to other types of solar panels, typically ranging from 15% to 22%. Monocrystalline panels are space-efficient, making them ideal for installations with limited roof space. They have a longer lifespan and lower degradation rate, often with warranties ranging from 25 to 30 years. Due to their quality, monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more expensive than other types of solar panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together, giving them a distinctive blue speckled appearance. They are less expensive to manufacture compared to monocrystalline panels, making them a more cost-effective option. Polycrystalline panels have a slightly lower efficiency rate compared to monocrystalline panels, typically ranging from 13% to 16%. While they may have a shorter lifespan and higher degradation rate compared to monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels still come with warranties ranging from 20 to 25 years.
At Recharge Renewable we can instal all types of solar panel, but if you are interested in which manufacturers we offer you can review our Solar Panel service page for a breakdown of the PV panels we can offer.
End-of-Life Considerations
It’s safe to say if you have recently installed solar panels or are planning on having them installed, the 25-30 year period before they start to degrade gives you plenty of prep time! Remember after this 25 year period your solar panels may work just fine. They may begin to show signs of lower efficiency, but it is likely you’ll still be saving money on your energy bills. Therefore, there is no need to immediately replace your solar panels and you can extend their useful period as far as you wish.
There will be a point of course, where the energy production capacity and efficiency of your solar panels becomes too low. This may mean your set up won’t be producing the required energy for your household and you may be using the Grid’s energy to make up for it. At this stage it is clear you need to replace your solar panels.
Solar panels can actually be recycled, with much of the materials being repurposed. This means you can continue to feed into the green eco system that is the solar energy sector. If you have any doubts or questions about the end of life period for your solar panels, Contact Us so we can talk you through it!
Summary
To summarise, you can expect your solar panels to last 25 years on average if you choose a high quality 1st generation set up. Be sure to confirm the warranty you have with your supplier/ installer and get advice on looking after your solar panels to extend their useful life period.
We hope that you will agree that up to 3 decades of use from a single installation is value for money! Especially with the cost saving of upwards of £400 per year on energy bills. Let us know if you think you could benefit from solar panels by reaching out to us below.
Get in touch
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If you’d like to discuss a quote or have any questions or queries please give us a call, send an email or use the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
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- office@rechargerenewable.co.uk
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