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Learn about the Half-Life and Longevity of Solar Panels for Homes and Businesses, as well as the Long-Term Warranties Offered by Most Solar Power Providers Today.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last? | Erco Energy

25-30 years. This is the average lifespan of solar panels for homes and companies, their expected longevity, and the long-term warranty of most solar providers nowadays.

 
After this period, this capacity is expected to have decreased 20-25%, with a degradation rate of 0.5% per year approximately, according to the **[National Renewable Energy Laboratory](https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/blog/posts/stat-faqs-part2-lifetime-of-pv-panels.html) (NREL)**. However, with the proper conditions, materials, and maintenance,
solar panels last indefinitely, **operating over 80% of their total capacity** even for decades.

 
But why do [solar panels](https://erco.energy/us/blog/how-do-solar-panels-work-erco/) degrade? How long do solar energy panels last in the best conditions and how to make them last? When should you replace them? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and teach you how to preserve them for a lifetime.

![Duration of solar panels](https://strapi-aws-erco.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog_how_long_do_solar_panels_last_b33178ea4a.jpg)

## Why Do Solar Panels Stop Working? Life cycle analysis of solar panels

 
Photovoltaic panels (PV) reduce their output naturally due to the Light Induced Degradation (LID) at the 0.5% mentioned above. In addition, solar panels degrade for several factors, including:

 
- Climate.
- Materials.
- Module-type.
- Maintenance.
- Racking system.
- Manufacturer.
- Solar installer.

 
Severe weather conditions such as heavy winds, snowstorms, and high temperatures can generate mechanical loads that can deteriorate the panels in the long run.

UV rays shouldn’t drastically affect the lifespan of your solar panels, even after decades, and the rough Texan weather. The degradation expected from the sunlight is **1-3% in a lifetime**.

In other words, the lifespan of your solar panels can increase when counting on the best materials, and above all, **the right solar energy company**.

## How to Make Your Solar Panels Last Longer?
Preserving your solar energy panels is easy, cheap, and fruitful. Not to mention, the right maintenance is the safest bet to ensure your solar system will work at its best for decades.

 
Let’s see how to preserve them in 4 simple steps:
 
### 1. Clean them Properly

 
Solar panels last for decades with little maintenance. As a matter of fact, you just have to clean it every little once in a while and that will be enough to keep it in good conditions, free from dirt, dust, debris, nests, and bird droppings.

For the cleaning process, you only need to wash it with water and a little soap. Just shut down your equipment, wash it off with a hose, clean, rinse and wipe it out.

 
Always wash your panels from the ground and call your solar company if:

 
- Your solar panel is too high.
- The roof is slippery.
- You don’t have the right equipment.

 
We recommend leaving this job to an experienced company that will take all the safety measures to do it properly. Actually, in order to prevent accidents it’s better if you leave it to the professionals. That’s why solar energy providers have the perfect equipment to do it safely for you.

### 2. Protect the Panels from the Shade

 
The shade is counter-productive for solar systems and it can speed up the solar panel degradation rate.

The panels should be installed in a clear area. If necessary, you can trim the surrounding trees to prevent them from covering your panels.

### 3. Make Maintenance Regularly

 
Solar panels are easy to clean, but in order to keep the system working at its full capacity and prevent damages through the years, maintenance is necessary.

I suggest you to call your solar energy company and let it carry out that work. Your solar installer should offer a long-term maintenance service after the installation is finished. If you’re not sure about how to pick a solar contractor, you can read or guide to choose a solar company in Texas.

### 4. Evaluate the Performance of Your Panels

 
This is the most reliable method to make sure your panels will work seamlessly, evaluate degradation in short and long periods, and judge how much energy they generate.

But how?

Through a **solar energy management app**, you can control your generation record, your everyday energy use, set up alerts for your solar system, and more. This way, your solar equipment will stay under control, reducing your bills and preserving your system at its highest productivity.

## Enjoy the Benefits of Solar Panels in the Long Term

 
The question ‘how long do solar panels last’ is clear, but what about the advantages?

Extending the lifespan of your solar energy panels will result in:

 
- **More savings:** Because your system will keep dropping your electric expenses for decades.
- **More ROI:** Because solar energy panels for homes will generate return of Investment (ROI) Un approximately 8 years, while the ROI for companies is expected between 4 to 8
- **More durability:** Because solar energy panels can last from 30 to 50 years operating. In other words, there’s no need to replace your equipment in a lifetime.

 
At Erco Energy, we guarantee the highest standards, personalized attention, innovative solutions, and assistance to ensure that your solar panels will last indefinitely.

From the installation processes to the management and the maintenance of your project, our goal and maximum priority is to provide you with the renewable, sustainable, and reliable solutions you need. This way, making your projects efficient, innovative, and durable.

 
If you want long-lasting panels that keep running at their best capacity for decades, request your quote today. We offer different pricing plans adjustable to your budget and your necessities.

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How Long Do Solar Panels Last? The Answers to All Your Questions