Ever wonder how long solar panels are meant to last? Sure, getting unlimited power from the sun sounds great, but what if the solar panel system built to harness and convert this “free” power breaks down?
Many homeowners interested in solar are hesitant when it comes to going solar because they want to weigh the cost of investing in solar to the actual benefits. One of the many benefits? Solar panels have proven to be extremely reliable over the years.
It is true that solar panels are more likely to “fail” sooner in harsher conditions, such as extreme heat or humidity, hail, wind, or other elements. While this isn’t a major threat and the rates only increase slightly in these regions, it is something to be considered and acknowledged. Of course, any outdoor component of your home is in danger of weather damage; however, just like other materials, solar panels are built to last these conditions as best as possible.
Other common causes of solar panel failure can include manufacturing defects, installation errors; however, these are normally considered “outlier” cases rather than normal issues.
Don’t just take our word for it – studies have shown that solar panels are extremely reliable. According to a recent report published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy – an average of only 5 out of every 10,000 panels failed on a yearly basis. The study looked at more than 54,000 photovoltaic panel systems installed over a 10-year period, finding that a median of just .05% of all the panels installed had to be replaced or failed.
Additionally, panel failure rates have only improved over the last few decades as solar panel technology improves. With solar panels becoming more resilient and reliable than ever, homeowners who switch to solar now can be confident in their investment.
To add even further peace of mind, most high-quality solar panels are backed by extensive warranties to ensure homeowners are protected from any defects, unexpected failures, or really any potential failure. These warranties can range anywhere from 10 years on the low end to 25+ years on the high end. For homeowners, that means even if an unexpected or unlikely panel failure did occur, most likely they would be covered by the panel manufacturer, resulting in a free panel replacement.
When you break it down, modern solar panels are becoming all the more reliable, efficient, and effective. What more can you ask for from a renewable energy source? Reach out to Semper Solaris today to get your free energy analysis.
