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http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 1/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
Solar panel manufacturers put a lot of effort into making their solar panels robust. They need to be
able to withstand heat/cold cycles and heavy weather. However, solar panels are not perfect and
they will inevitably age. Keep reading to find out how age affects performance and what this
actually means.
Pre Post
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 2/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
Pre and Post refer to installations prior to and post 2000. Data is taken from Photovoltaic
Degradation Rates — An Analytical Review NREL.[1]
Solar panels typically degrade faster in the first couple of years of their life.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 3/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
The majority of manufacturers offer the 25-year standard solar panel warranty, which means that
power output should not be less than 80% of rated power after 25 years.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 4/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
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A 33W solar panel (Arco Solar 16-2000) actually outperformed it’s original factory
specifications 30 years after it was manufactured.[2]
World`s first modern solar panel still works after 60 years.[3]
Kyocera has reported several solar power installations that continue to operate reliably
and generate electricity even though they are nearly 30 years old.[4]
The technology has improved, the solar panels on today`s market are more robust and durable.
This is where it gets really interesting. What does all of this actually mean? The lifespan of a
modern solar panel is far longer than the 20 years that we use to calculate costs and earnings. This
basically translates into more money in your pocket.
I would bet that a solar panel installed today would be up and running (and still generating a good
amount of electricity) 30 – 40 years down the line.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 5/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
Note that batteries and inverters typically have to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
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References: [1] National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), [2] Renewable Energy
World, [3] Inhabitat, [4] Kyocera.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 6/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
Calculate My Savings!
Comments
abe says
May 6, 2014 at 7:49 pm
On
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 7/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
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Johnathan says
June 9, 2014 at 1:06 am
Beautiful, i had got in an argument with a friend over the lifespan of a panel, he
insisted that it was only 4 years, dont know where he read that
Reply
Christopher says
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 8/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
The life of flexible silicone panels is roughly 4-5 years. But rigid tend to last
considerably longer. The flexible ones tend to dry crack and leak or the plastic goes
cloudy. I learned this from the panels on my boat.
Reply
Peter says
January 15, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Reply
Thanks for the article. It’s the best presentation I’ve seen on this often overlooked
issue.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 9/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
I know I’m being a bit picky, but the word it’s in the sentence
A 33W solar panel (Arco Solar 16-2000) actually outperformed it’s original factory
specifications 30 years after it was manufactured.[2]
should not have an apostrophe in it.
Reply
I purchased 6 Solarex panels in the 80’s and while then are not in service I bet they
will still make power.At that time they operated at the stated output of 42 watts peak
. For what its worth I shall place one in the sun and measure its output and report
my findings according.Hope that adds to the conversation.
Reply
S says
March 8, 2015 at 9:13 pm
What’s not added to the cost is that the asphalt shingles below may not survive as
long as the solar panel.
http://energyinformative.org/lifespan-solar-panels/ 10/16
20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
Reply
Ken says
April 15, 2015 at 2:26 pm
We pump water for cattle in the summer with 3- 25kw arrays. would they last twice
as long if they were covered or put into storage for the 6 months they set idle.
Reply
Jason says
July 17, 2015 at 12:52 am
Would make sense to me they should last indefinitely if you kept them out of the
sun except for when you needed them. And as long as they were transported
carefully.
Reply
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20/11/2017 The Real Lifespan of Solar Panels - Energy Informative
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