Solar Panels typically last 25 – 30 years but can continue to operate past that point with proper, just with a reduced power output.

The performance of solar panels will degrade over time, making it more worthwhile to replace them eventually, but with good maintenance and care you can extend the lifespan of PV panels.

Getting top quality solar panels is worth the cost in the longer lifespan and greater return on investment they will deliver.

Key Takeaways

  • Solar panels have a life expectancy of 25 – 30 years, but can last beyond that.

  • Solar panels will degrade over time and lose 0.4% – 0.5% of their power each year.

  • Solar panels should have a good product warranty and power guarantee.

Table of content

How long does a solar panel last in Ireland?

Solar panels in Ireland have a useful life expectancy of 25 – 30 years which can be extended by taking care of them and making sure they are properly installed.

The solar panel will not die after 25-30 years, but it will have a lower power output, and it might be worthwhile to replace them at that point.

How long your solar PV panels last will also depend on what type you have. Monocrystalline solar panels have the longest lifespan, followed by polycrystalline, and thin-film panels have the shortest life expectancy.

Solar panels are a significant investment

Do solar panels degrade over time?

Solar panels suffer degradation over time, causing them to lose efficiency and the electricity output. The rate of this degradation is determined by the quality of your solar panels and the stress they are put under.

On average solar panels might expect to lose 0.5% of their efficiency each year. The majority of higher end modern panels used in Ireland advertise a 1% loss of power in their first year, and a 0.4% linear annual degradation.

That means that after 30 years at that rate of degradation solar panels should still produce 87.4% of the electricity they did at first.

What causes solar panels to degrade?

There are a number of factors that can affect the speed at which solar panels degrade. Some of those factors include:

  • Light-Induced Degradation (LID): This mainly occurs in the first year of PV panels lifespan, when sunlight affects the oxidation process in the silicon wafer.

  • Potential-Induced Degradation (PID): PID occurs a result of the potential difference between the solar cells and the panel frame when there is a high voltage, resulting in power loss and over time.

  • Thermal Cycling: When the solar cell temperature fluctuates frequently the expansion and contraction can result in microcracking to many parts of the solar panel.

  • UV Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can damage many of the materials and layers in a solar module.

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Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Solar Panels

There are multiple manufacturing, environmental, and X factors affecting the lifespan of solar PV panels. Here are a few of those factors:

The quality of PV panels manufacturing and components will affect how much it degrades over time. Solar panels made from a top end manufacturer come with a higher price tag, but they make for a much better long term investment

A poor installation of solar panels is more likely to lead to physical or electrical damage that will shorten their lifespan. Solar panels need to be mounted and installed securely to avoid physical stress that can cause microcracking, water ingress or electrical faults.

If solar panels are regularly exposed to extreme hail or wind it can cause physical damage to the panels that will reduce their efficiency. Regular high temperatures can accelerate the aging of PV panels, and humidity can cause corrosion if the frame or cover is damaged.

ensure you get the longest use out of your solar PV array

Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Solar Panels

If you want to make sure that the solar panels on your home last as long as possible and give you the best power output in that time, follow these simple steps.

The first and most important thing you need to do is make sure that you are working with a good installer. Poorly installed PV panels are at a greater risk of damage that will shorten their lifespan. A good installer will also work with you on designing the best solar PV system for your needs.

High quality solar panels might be more expensive, but they will pay off as a far better long term investment that will produce more electricity and enjoy a longer lifespan on your home.

Keep your solar panels clear from debris and dirt that can obscure them, and potentially cause damaging scratches to the glass. Use a soft brush, with warm water if necessary, to remove any dirt or debris a few time a year.

Maintenance checks should be carried out on your solar panels to identify any issues before they cause permanent damage. A check should be carried out by a qualified electrician at least once a year.

Warranties for Solar Panels

Solar panels come with two warranties essential to maximising their lifespan, a standard product warranty and a performance guarantee warranty.The product warranty guarantees that the solar panels shall be free from defects until the end of the warranty period.

Modern solar panels should have a warranty of 25 – 30 years, with 20 years as the minimum that you should be looking for.A performance guarantee states how much your solar panels are expected to degrade each year, and how much of their original power output should remain at the end of the warranty period.

A good solar panel should retain 87% – 89% of its original electricity output at the end of a 30 year performance guarantee.Some of the warranties in the most commonly used solar panel brands in Ireland include:

Solar Panel Brand Panel Warranty Performance Guarantee
Jinko Tiger Neo 25 Years 30 Years / 87.4%
JA Solar Deep Blue 4.0 25 Years 30 Years / 87.4%
Trina Vertex S+ 15 Years 30 Years / 87.4%
Autarco TBT 25 Years 30 Years / 87.4%
Bauer Glass Glass 30 Years 30 Years / 87.4%
Aiko Neostar 25 Years 30 Years / 88.85%
Longi Hi-Mo X6 25 Years 25 Years / 88.9%

Break Even in 6 Years

A typical solar installation is fully paid back within 5 – 7 years. All solar panels we recommend are under warranty for 25 years, so you will enjoy at least 18 years of free energy generation.

0% VAT

As of 10 May 2023, the government has removed all VAT on solar installation and solar panel supply. This means solar has never been more affordable!

€1,800 SEAI Grant

There is a range of government grants available for all new solar installations. Our team will guide you through the application process.

What is the payback period for solar panels?

Solar panels for the home in Ireland can typically pay for themselves in 5 to 7 years, with the remainder of their lifespan generating free electricity for your home.

There is an economy of scale with home solar PV, as larger solar systems will pay for themselves more quickly than smaller ones.

FAQs

Solar panels are mostly made from materials such as silicon, aluminium, and silver which can be melted down and recycled when they are removed.

Solar panel efficiency and performance is advancing rapidly. Between that and their degradation it makes financial sense to consider replacing them after 25 years rather than holding on to them.

Solar panels could be damaged by heavy hail or getting struck by debris in extreme weather. But good quality panels are tested against extreme environmental conditions.

Solar panels begin to lose efficiency if the cell temperature exceeds 25℃. If they are regularly exposed to very high temperatures it can shorten their life expectancy.

If solar panels have become covered with dirt, dust or something else obscuring the panel and blocking sunlight it can reduce their power output

A solar panel inverter typically has a lifespan of 10 – 15 years, though some may last longer. It will need to be replaced in the lifespan of your solar power system.

A solar battery will often have a lifespan of 10 – 15 years, or 6,000 – 10,000 cycles of charging and discharging the battery.

Solar PV panels will more than pay back their cost over the course of their lifetime, earning households thousands or tens of thousands of euro in profit on electricity savings.

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Vetted solar companies:

  • SEAI Authorised
  • SafeElectric Certified
  • Fully Insured
  • 1,000+ Installations
  • Tier-1 Materials
  • Dedicated Customer Care
  • Fully Vetted
  • Competitively Priced
  • Free Site Assessments