Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular investment among homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills as well as their carbon footprint.
They are now more efficient than ever, increasing massively since 2010 and continuing to every year, making them a worthwhile investment. But how long do they last?
Read on to find out how long solar panels last.
What Are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?
Solar panels, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, are renewable technologies designed to convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic cells in the panels.
This electricity can then be used by appliances and devices in your home that require it. Alternatively, it can be stored using a solar battery for later use such as through the night when they aren’t generating electricity. Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity however they don’t need direct sunlight.
Why Switch to Solar Power?
Solar power is a clean, green way to power your home as it is a renewable energy source. It can help you reduce your energy bills by cutting your reliance on the national grid.
As well as this you can also generate money by selling any excess electricity your panels have generated back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
By switching to solar power, you will be doing your part to help tackle the climate crisis and help Scotland reach their net zero target.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels should typically last between 25-30 years or in some cases even longer.
As time passes, your panels efficiency will degrade. This can happen naturally as the solar cells gradually lose their ability to harvest solar energy. On average, they degrade at a rate of 0.5% annually.
While there is no way of stopping their degradation, you can ensure you get the most out of the lifespan of your panels
Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of Solar Panels
Factors that can affect the lifespan of solar panels include their quality, installation, maintenance and climate.
Climate is the only factor that can affect the lifespan of your panels that can’t be controlled. They should withstand a range of weather conditions but in the case of more extreme conditions then they may be susceptible to damage.
Factors that can affect your panels lifespan that can be controlled include maintenance. They have been designed to be low maintenance. This means you will rarely need to do anything to keep them in working order.
Cleaning is the most common maintenance you will need to perform. Most of the time, the rain should be enough to wash off light debris from your panels.
However, you may need to give them a proper clean from time to time. This may be needed during a rare dry spell of rain or a build up of bird dropping.
Other maintenance includes servicing which HIES recommends should be done annually. This is so problems can be caught early before they turn into bigger issues.
In terms of the quality of your panels and the installation, you should go with a MCS certified installer. MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme. They are a quality assurance standard in the UK that certifies microgeneration (the small-scale production of heat and electricity from low carbon sources) products and installers.
It includes microgeneration technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and batteries.
They are internationally recognised for quality and safety in setting, defining and maintaining the standards for these products and those who install them.
Choosing MCS certified products and an installer also with the certification will give you peace of mind that your solar panel system meets a certain standard.
Looking for Solar Panels?
If you are looking for solar panels then you can get a free no obligation quote.
At Homeshield Scotland, we have been providing homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been installing renewables such as solar panels in customers’ homes for a number of years.
Start your journey to a warmer, cheaper and greener future today!
