The Average Life Of Solar Panels & Factors Affecting Their Lifespan

Whenever you invest in a product or commodity, you expect it to provide utility and satisfaction for an extended period to satisfy the investment. This utility-driven behaviour governs customers’ decisions while buying a product like solar panels. Customers often weigh the benefits of solar PV panels with the upfront investment, and they need factual proof to trust this new technology.

With technological advancements and solar market growth, PV panels have fulfilled the demand for a sustainable power source. Due to the significant initial investment, customers hesitate to invest their money in solar panel technology, but this small investment can go a long way. In this blog, we will discuss the average lifespan of solar PV panels available in the market and analyse their performance graph over the years. After that, we will explain the factors affecting the life of PV panels and how these factors impact their efficiency.

Solar panel lifespan

With the latest advances in solar panel technology, the life span of solar panels has increased to a generous level, and solar panel manufacturers are making the best use of technology. Average solar PV panels can last anywhere between 20-30 years. The better the quality and underlying technology of the panels, the longer they work. By this lifespan period, the solar PV panels do not just stop working; their efficiency in generating electricity has also reduced due to degradation.  

Factors Affecting Life Of Solar Panels

Now that we have briefly discussed the lifespan of PV panels let us understand the various environmental, technological, and human factors that affect their life.

Type Of Solar Panels

One major factor determining the lifespan of a solar panel is its type and quality. The better and more reliable the quality of the panels, the longer they will provide electricity for you. Various solar panel technologies are available on the market, and you should choose the one that best fits your energy needs.

Maintenance

The frequency of solar maintenance and repair is another important factor that determines the lifespan of solar PV panels. Your panels will have a long life if you get them serviced at regular intervals by qualified technicians so that efficiency remains at a considerable level.

Climatic Conditions

Another critical factor that affects the lifespan of the PV panel is the climatic conditions and their effect on the solar panel system. The more harsh the climatic conditions, like extreme winds, extreme cold, or dust storms, the lesser the solar panel lifespan will be.

Precision In Installation

Installing the solar panels at a right angle determines their efficiency and life. Suppose you install the solar panel system accurately at the right angle and in a shade-free area. In that case, the solar panel will generate electricity from sunlight for an extended period. If solar PV panels are installed poorly, they can sustain early damage, and their efficiency will be affected. 

Relative Humidity

The relative humidity in your area also impacts the solar panel’s lifespan. In simple words, humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air. Your solar PV  panels are subject to accelerated deterioration if your locality has high humidity levels.

Dust And Debris

Consistent accumulation of dust and debris on the surface of the PV panels can also affect its efficiency and life. Accumulation of dust and dirt on the solar PV panel can reduce the absorption power of the panel and harm the outer layering of the panels. 

Maintaining Solar Panel Efficiency

Let us take a look at how you can maintain the efficiency of solar PV panels in electricity production to empower your lives with green and clean energy.

Appropriate Positioning Of Solar Panels

One way to increase the efficiency and life of a solar panel is to ensure that it is appropriately positioned and installed at a correct angle that maximizes its efficiency in generating electricity using sunlight.

Better Service & Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to increase the lifespan of solar panels is to ensure that they are maintained and serviced at periodic intervals so that any damage can be immediately reduced. Getting your solar PV panels serviced by a qualified technician can greatly increase their efficiency and durability.

Premium Quality Of Solar Panels

The better the quality of the panels, the more durable and reliable they are. Purchasing the latest technology in the PV panel industry will give you the edge over other solar PV panels. As time advances, solar panel manufacturers are developing technologies that can last longer than average lifespan at an affordable cost, like the Mono PERC Half-Cut panels. 

Keep The Panels Clean 

Another way to increase the lifespan of your panels is to make sure that they are always clean. Regular checks should be made on the surface of the solar PV panels, and they should be cleaned properly so that no dust or debris reduces the sunlight absorption capability and harms the panel surface. 

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed the average Solar panel lifespan and the efficiency cycle of solar PV panels throughout their life. We also discussed the factors affecting the life of panels and how you can improve the panels’ efficiency through solar maintenance. Keeping these PV panels operating at their maximum efficiency requires efforts from both the customer and company end.

If you want to start utilising solar energy, then Inter Solar Systems [Since 1997] is the right place to go. We are the leading solar panel manufacturer in the country and offer a versatile range of solar PV panels, such as the Mono PERC Half Cut, Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, Bifacial, and BIPV panels, that will fulfill your power needs for years to come. Contact us now to get the best PV panels for your residential and commercial space.

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