We answer frequently asked questions, share the latest in green energy innovations, and offer practical tips to help you make informed decisions about going solar.

With the right equipment and proper maintenance, solar systems often deliver decades of consistent performance. Understanding the solar panel lifespan and examining solar panel efficiency over time can help homeowners make informed decisions about the best solar panels to purchase for their budget. In this article, we’ll explore how long solar panels last, why their degradation rate matters, and how platforms like EnergySage’s solar comparison can help homeowners choose high-quality solar panels that perform well throughout their lifetime.

Understanding Solar Panel Longevity

Solar panels don’t suddenly stop working after a predetermined amount of time. Instead, they are similar batteries in that they experience a gradual decline over time. The decline in a solar panel’s energy production is known as its degradation rate. Factors that affect the lifespan of a solar panel include the quality of its materials used, the precision of its manufacturing process, climate conditions, the quality of its installation, and regular maintenance practices.

While solar panel efficiency decreases over time, it is usually at a slow, predictable pace. Most panels lose about 0.5% to 1.0% of their output per year. This steady, mild decrease in output means that, by the end of their warranty period (typically around 25 years), the panels may still produce around 80% of their original output. This resilience, or solar panel longevity, contributes significantly to their long-term value and appeal.

Considering Solar Panel Quality Tiers

Not all solar panels are created equally. The industry categorizes manufacturers into solar panel quality tiers, with Tier 1 solar panels representing top-of-the-line options. These brands have a proven track record, stable financial backing, and stringent quality control measures that ensure minimal degradation and longer life spans. By choosing high-quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers, a homeowner invests in products that are more likely to stand the test of time and deliver sustained energy production well into the future.

A Breakdown of Solar Panel Tiers

• Tier 1 Solar Panels: Produced by well-established companies with a proven history, strong warranties, and large manufacturing volumes. These manufacturers typically have robust research and development, strict quality control, and good financing terms. Tier 1 brands often invest heavily in product testing and innovation, which usually results in highly efficient, durable panels.
• Tier 2 Solar Panels: Often manufactured by companies that may have decent industry experience and sound quality control but lack the extensive track record or financial strength of Tier 1 producers. Tier 2 panels can still perform well; they might just not have as much long-standing credibility or extensive project portfolios as their Tier 1 counterparts.
• Tier 3 Solar Panels: Typically made by less-established manufacturers with limited production volumes and shorter operating histories. While these panels can sometimes be cost-effective, they may come with less comprehensive warranties, weaker brand recognition, and possibly more variability in quality and long-term reliability.

Using EnergySage for Informed Comparisons

EnergySage is an online marketplace that helps homeowners and businesses compare solar energy options. The EnergySage Solar Panel Buyer’s Guide is a great place to compare different types of solar panels. Users can compare solar panel brands or read expert reviews, and the platform provides high-quality solar panel selection guidance so homeowners and businesses can feel confident about their purchasing decisions. EnergySage also has useful tools that highlight long-term performance, warranties, and efficiency ratings, to make it easier to find panels that are known for their durability and reliability.

Factors Influencing Degradation and Tips for Maximizing Longevity

In addition to choosing high-quality panels, certain factors influencing solar panel degradation can be managed by maintenance-minded homeowners and professional installers. For instance, exposure to extreme weather can impact a solar panel’s overall performance, but careful selection of panel placement can help mitigate these issues. Furthermore, following common-sense solar panel maintenance tips—like keeping the surface clean and checking for any damage—can also maximize a solar panel’s longevity. 

Similar to keeping a car in good working order, maximizing solar panel longevity often comes down to proactive care: ensure the system is inspected periodically by a qualified technician, address any minor issues promptly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for upkeep. Taking these steps will help to ensure sustained energy production from solar panels over their entire lifespan.

How to Get Reliable Solar Energy Production

Understanding the degradation rate of solar panels and how solar panel efficiency, over time, gradually declines is key to appreciating their long-term value. By investing in Tier 1 solar panels, utilizing an EnergySage solar comparison to research reputable brands, and following best practices for maintenance, a homeowner can enjoy decades of reliable, clean power. Solar panels, chosen wisely and cared for properly, provide a stable, long-term energy solution that pays dividends well beyond their initial installation.