Have you finally decided to go green and install solar panels? It is a great initiative to lower your carbon footprint. However, there’s also a big concern with solar panels, as they are costly. Therefore, these days residential solar panels cost around $20k.
Since solar panels are such a big investment, it should be of no surprise that you want them to last as long as possible. So today, we are here with our 5 tips to make your solar panels last longer. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
How To Select Good Solar Panels?
Whenever you are buying electronic hardware or in fact anything that is expensive or a long-term investment, you should get the best possible one(within your budget). So here is a checklist to help you select a good solar panel:
- Choose a reputable brand.
- Get a professional to assess your residence.
- Do proper research online.
- Check customer reviews.
- Choose solar panels with a long product warranty.
- Choose solar panels with High CPVs (Concentrated Photovoltaic Cells).
We cannot stress this enough, but always, always opt for reputable brands. Meanwhile, solar setups are incomplete without batteries. So getting good batteries for the setup is a must. And to reduce your hassle finding the best we suggest you to check out ESE Group’s Solar Batteries.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
All electronic devices and appliances are unpredictable when it comes to how long they will last. There are lots of variables that determine the life span of electronic devices. But as long as they are monitored and put through regular maintenance, any electronic device should last a long time.
That being said, typically, solar panels or residential solar panels are expected to perform for about 25 years. And after that, they will slowly degrade and become less efficient over time.
What Factors Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels are outdoor units, so they are prone to getting dirty and have to face the harsh behavior of mother nature along with other factors. So there is no singular thing that affects solar panels, instead, it’s usually a combination of a few variable factors. Some of the most common things that affect solar panels are:
The Environment and Climate
The environment and climate of where you live in affects your solar panels greatly. For instance, if your solar panels are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures, hail, high winds, etc. These conditions will not only decrease your solar panel’s efficiency but will also physically damage the panels.
Another thing you should be aware of is the surroundings. If trees and foliage surround you, make sure they aren’t covering your panels. If necessary, trim back the trees that are causing this problem.
The Installation
This is something most of us often overlook. But trust us when we say this, it’s always a good decision to have a professional install the solar panel system, even if it costs a few extra bucks.
Proper installation ensures that the solar panels will be secured and perform optimally. Since you are making a substantial investment, you should not cut down costs on installation.
Ask your neighbors or research online and hire reputable and reliable professionals to install your system.
Quality of the panels
Always try to buy the best possible solar panels without breaking the bank. Remember, renowned brands are renowned for a reason. Check online for customer reviews and feedback before choosing a brand. Reddit, Quora, and similar platforms are excellent customer reviews and feedback sources.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
You should regularly maintain your solar panel system once every 6 months. This will ensure that everything is running optimally and prevent degradation. Many solar panel providers include regular maintenance with their packages and so opt for a package or deal that includes regular maintenance.
5 Tips to Make Your Solar Panels Last Longer
We are here to simplify things for you and so here are our 5 tips to make your solar panel last longer and work optimally:
Regularly Clean Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are prone to getting dirty and collect dirt very quickly. Some of the most common things that hinder the performance are dust and debris collecting on the solar panel’s surface. This obstructs solar panels from absorbing sunlight properly, and so compromises their overall performance.
If too much dirt accumulates on your panels, it can lower your solar panel’s performance by anywhere between 5-20%. When cleaning your system, avoid using abrasive materials. Ask your provider how and what to use to clean the solar panels if you are unsure.
Ensure Routine Maintenance
Like any other electronic system, solar panels, too, need regular maintenance. In fact, they require regular maintenance more than most other systems in your house. Make a habit of having your solar panel system checked once every 6 months at the very least. This is the best way to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Monitor Your System’s Performance
Nowadays, most solar panel systems come with an app that you can monitor from your smart devices. So make a habit of checking your system’s performance every other week.
This way, if you ever notice any inconsistency or unexpected performance loss, you can easily address it before things get worse.
Have an Expert Install The System
There is a huge difference between having an expert install your system and an amateur. There are lots of factors that an expert will take into consideration when installing your system. For example:
- The best location
- The optimal angle at which they are installed
- Orientation
- Proper airflow
So, always hire experts to install the system, and it absolutely increases the shelf life of the panel.
Perform Full System Checkups
Much like routine maintenance, you should have professionals perform full system checkups. This includes:
- Battery maintenance
- Checking all the connections and wiring
- Checking for damage, cracks, scratches etc.
- Checking surge protectors.
FAQs
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar panels?
Always have a professional come in and assess your residence in person and just follow whatever the professional says in order to get the best results.
When should I replace my solar panels?
You should plan on replacing your solar panels when they are not enough to cover your electricity bills. Typically solar panels are supposed to work at peak efficiency for 25 years at least. So once that 25 years pass, you should start planning on replacing your panels.
What is degradation? What is the degradation rate for solar panels?
Degradation is a term used to describe a decline in efficiency and output. All electronic devices are prone to degradation, and solar panels are no exception. Usually, on average, the output of a solar panel decreases by .5% every year. So after 20-25 years, your solar panels will be working at an efficiency of about 87.5% of its output when it was fresh and new.
Conclusion
Solar panels are sensitive hardware. They must go through regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure they work optimally. But sometimes, even that is not enough. That is why we hope our 5 tips to make your solar panels last longer come in handy and help you get the most out of your solar panels.
