Welcome back to my solar blog, where, as always, I’m here to guide you through the nuances and advances of the solar industry. Today, let’s delve deep into the subject of residential solar panels, particularly their lifespan and resiliency.
When it comes to installing solar panels for your home, one inevitable question pops up: “How long do they last?” Like any other technology, solar panels deteriorate over time. But when is it time for a solar panel to retire? That’s what we are going to explore today.
First things first, we need to talk about degradation. This is the term used in the solar industry to refer to the loss of output over time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) notes that this is usually about 0.5% per year. So, even after 20 years, your solar panel could still be performing at a robust 90% of its original capability.
Quality plays a significant role in this scenario. Some solar companies manufacture panels that degrade at slower rates – as low as 0.3%. These premium panels might still be churning out 93% of their original output after 25 years.
On the other hand, let’s talk about the enemy of solar panel efficiency: potential-induced degradation (PID). This phenomenon occurs when the panel’s voltage potential and leakage current trigger ion mobility within the module, driving the panel’s power output downwards.
But here’s the good news. Many solar companies have started using PID-resistant materials in their panels. This means that you can have a solar array for home use that has a longer lifespan and maintains a high degree of efficiency.
Another vital factor to consider is weathering. The exposure to weather conditions, especially heat, plays a significant part in panel degradation. Examining the temperature coefficient on a panel’s manufacturer datasheet can give you an insight into how well the panel will perform in higher temperatures.
Equally impactful, wind and snow can cause damage to solar panels. High winds can flex panels leading to microcracks, reducing output. Snow can be a double threat by not only covering panels, limiting output, but also causing microcracks.
Now, I’m not telling you all this to discourage you from investing in a solar array for home use. All this information is to let you understand that degradation is a normal, unavoidable part of a panel’s life. But with the right care and regular maintenance, one can keep the panels functioning efficiently, and elongate their life.
Solar companies should ensure their panels undergo stringent standards testing for certification to ensure longevity. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) testing, for example, checks for mechanical load test for wind and snow, and tests for weaknesses to hot spots, UV exposure, and hail impact, among other outdoor exposure.
While it’s true that solar panel failure does occur, it happens at a very low rate. For systems installed between 2000 and 2015, the median failure rate was just 5 panels out of 10,000 annually, and the rate is improving!
In conclusion, the solar industry constantly evolves with significant improvements in the longevity and efficiency of solar panels. With the right solar company, careful installation, and adequate maintenance, you can certainly enjoy a long-lasting and efficient solar array for your home. Stay tuned for my next post, where we go deeper into solar technology, and remember: the future is bright, the future is solar!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/23/how-long-do-residential-solar-panels-last-2/
