While the business world thinks in quarters, solar panels can last a quarter century or more. Harnessing the Sun’s power will challenge you to think long-term for your business, and for the environment too.
If you’re thinking about investing in commercial solar installation and wondering how long solar panels last, we’ve written this guide for you.
What Is the Lifespan of a Solar Panel?
The minimum lifespan of a solar panel is 25 years, but we’ve seen some commercial panels last well beyond that.
As your solar panel ages, your electricity output will gradually reduce over time. This is usually by around 0.5%-0.8% per year. For example, if you invested in a high-quality panel 25 years ago, you would expect to see it producing around 80-87.5% of the electricity it did originally.
Solar Panel Quality
If the failing solar panels reported in Gujarat last summer tell us anything, though, it’s that quality matters in terms of both your solar panels and installation.
In the UK, it’s important to check that your solar panel installer is MCS-accredited. This gives you extra protection and ensures that you have a workmanship warranty of around 2 years, that’s insured in case the company goes out of business.
On top of this, you’ll also have a product warranty from your panel/inverter manufacturer. This is usually around 10-25 years.
How Long Do Inverters for Solar Panels Last?
While solar panels are designed to withstand the elements for decades, this means they’ll likely outlast components like inverters and cabling.
Your solar panel inverter converts DC electricity from your panels into the AC electricity you need to power your business. This device also manages system performance and safety.
In general, you can expect your inverter to last for about 10 years. Keeping your inverter in good condition and replacing it when needed is essential for getting the most out of your solar panels.
At InspireGreen, we can provide you with optimised renewable energy systems as standard, giving you peak performance and maximum return on investment for your organisation. Learn more about our commercial solar installation service.
Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?
One of the advantages of solar panels is that they are low-maintenance. All they need is a check-up from time to time and an occasional clean to keep them performing at their best.
Scheduling a regular maintenance inspection with your solar panel installer is the best way to make sure any system issues are diagnosed and resolved early on. Depending on the size of your array, we recommend getting it serviced once or twice a year. This can help to extend the lifespan of your equipment and maximise your energy savings.
When it comes to cleaning, you only need to do this as and when needed. This will save you money in the long run. For commercial solar panels, the best option is to get this done professionally.
How Do You Know When Solar Panels Need Replacing?
If you’ve scheduled a regular inspection, your maintenance provider will be able to tell you when your solar panels need replacing.
Your solar inverter will come with an app that allows you to monitor the electricity output from your array. A common sign of an issue or a potential need for replacement would be seeing a drop in electricity generation. If it’s a discrepancy of around 20% or more, it’s a good idea to call your installer.
Here are a few common signs you can look out for that will also suggest your solar panel is nearing the end of its lifespan:
- Cracks
- Discolouration
- Hot spots on the panels
- Frequent inverter faults
- Tripper breakers
What Happens to Solar Panels at the End of Their Life?
When it’s time to replace your solar array, your installer can dispose of your old panels for you. While solar racking is made from aluminium and is easily recyclable, recycling solar panel components is more complicated.
Solar panels contain glass, aluminium and silicone. They’re also a source of precious metals like silver, which are needed to make new panels, with over 60% of the value being contained in just 3% of the weight of an old panel.
Although still a challenge, the recycling infrastructure for solar panels has come a long way. In the future, industry experts estimate that nearly three-quarters of the materials in a retired panel will be recycled, helping to reduce waste and speed up the supply of new systems.
You can learn more about solar panel recycling in this video:
Are Commercial Solar Panels Worth It?
If you’re ready to invest in a long-term capital asset for your building, then yes, commercial solar panels are well worth it. Renewable energy systems aren’t just business expenditures – they’re an important part of your financial growth strategy.
Here are 5 benefits of commercial solar panels:
- Reduced reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Lower operational costs and increased profitability.
- Taking leadership against the climate crisis.
- Adding value to your business and attracting investors and customers.
- Showcasing your commitment to sustainability.
How We Can Help
Commercial solar panels are a long-term investment and can power your business for 25 years and beyond. Learn more about solar panels in our blog, including how much power a solar panel produces and the arrays we installed for CCR Energy and Kingsway Carpark NCC.
When you invest in renewable energy, you’re making a strategic move towards reducing operational costs and bolstering your business’ sustainability. Learn more about our commercial solar installation service, and contact our team to start your project.
