Solar Panel Durability and Lifespan: What Homeowners Need to Know

When you’re considering investing what can be a significant amount of funds for your solar system, you’d want to know all the facts prior to your solar installation process. One burning question most Homeowners in BC need answered is how long solar panels actually last and how durable they are.

Solar panels are an incredibly expensive investment; you’d want to make sure you are getting value for your money and that your solar system will still be paying off years from now. Future West Solar gets it, and we want you to be fully informed. Continue reading to learn about the lifespan of solar panels and the factors that can affect their longevity.

How long do solar panels usually last?

Solar panels are built to be durable, they generally last around 25-30 years. So, even though you’re spending a massive amount of money, it’s worth it. After they are installed, all you have to do is sit back and relax for the next couple of decades while the panels help you run on sunshine!

Solar panels are among the most durable and long-lasting components in your entire solar system. They typically come with a 25-year warranty too. Often, if a failure occurs, it involves the electrical components of the system, which can be fixed or replaced without having to access your roof.

In the rare event that one of your solar panels malfunctions, its individual electronic components can be replaced or repaired, lending it an even longer lifespan. Plus, the panels are built with metal, silicon, or glass, which adds to their resilience.

What can affect the longevity of your solar panels?

The good news is that solar panels are not fragile, so there aren’t many factors that can significantly impact their lifespan. The individual components of solar panels degrade at a very slow rate. With regular wear and tear, including micro-cracks on the panels’ surface or electric components that may need repair, you’re looking at a degradation rate of only 0.5% per year. This means that even after 20 years, your solar panels will function at 90% of their capacity!

Sometimes, adverse weather conditions such as hail or wind storms and lightning strikes can severely impact solar panels, which may reduce their lifespan. However, solar panels are pretty tough because they go through several rounds of rigorous testing before they hit the market. This involves blasting them with hailstones that are 1.5 inches in diameter, alternating between hot and cold temperatures, and baking them under extreme heat and humidity for about 2000 hours. So, it’s safe to say they can weather a storm (pun intended)—most minor ones, anyway.

Which solar panels are the most durable and last the longest?

When it comes to solar panels, there can be major differences based on the materials used and the manufacturer’s quality control process. Tier 1 (type of solar panel) manufacturers are renowned for their stability and experience and are favoured within the solar industry.

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single piece of crystal, which makes them highly efficient compared to other variants. They even have a sleek black appearance, so not only are they durable, but they’re also aesthetic! Since they perform better, they tend to have longer warranties, and you can rest assured that you're getting a bang for your buck.

At Future West Solar (FWS), we use top-quality panels from one of the world’s leading renewable energy brands—Canadian Solar, we don’t skimp on costs or cut corners during the installation process, you have our word.

Golden tips on how to make your solar panels last longer:

• Go for a trusted solar company: When hiring professionals to install your solar system, be sure to check their reputation, reviews and past projects/ customer testimonials. If you can get recommendations from friends or neighbours, that’s even better! You must be confident in your choice because it will affect the next two decades of your and your home’s life, and you don’t want to be stressed in the long run.
  

• Monitor solar energy generation: Make sure you monitor your solar production levels regularly because if anything is off, you will be able to be proactive in getting help. Which is better than being in the dark and missing out on days of solar power production due to faulty panels or system errors.
  
  FWS offers a mobile control system for monitoring solar system performance and energy production in real-time. As a homeowner, you can be informed of your system’s efficiency for convenience and potential cost savings.
  

• Keep those panels (relatively) clean: Solar panels need minimal maintenance since they're quite resilient. A bit of dirt or grime won’t do any harm, but too much build-up may affect their effectiveness, especially in winter when it snows. To get rid of excess snow, gently use a push broom, and for dirt, a light hose-off would help. For the rest of the time, let Mother Nature do her thing—rain is your best friend for hands-free maintenance!

Future West Solar has helped hundreds of homeowners across Western Canada; you can be one of our happy customers, too! We’ve got a team of solar experts with over two decades of experience in the industry, so you’re in good hands. Thinking of running on sunshine? Contact us today, and we’ll ensure a hassle-free experience.