The purchase and installation of solar panels is an investment that pays for itself over a period of time. Although the upfront costs may seem high, the monthly savings on energy bills, independence from centralised energy sources and tax breaks will certainly reduce the overall cost of the system. The key question when it comes to the rate of return is - how long do photovoltaic panels last?

What affects the lifetime of photovoltaics?

Solar panels are durable, can operate in extreme temperatures and still provide the required amount of energy even after many years of use. Above all, their durability is due to the fact that solar panels have no moving parts and rarely break, usually only damaged from the outside, for example due to poor installation or inclement weather. Therefore, the lifespan of photovoltaic panels is one of their advantages, which makes the installation of such structures attractive. However, there are many factors that affect the lifespan of solar panels - this is the influence of ultraviolet radiation, weather conditions (temperature drops, overheating of the panels), installation features, quality of handling.

Guarantee for the lifetime of photovoltaics

The performance guarantee offered by most manufacturers is 20-25 years. There are manufacturers who promise that the panels will have a lifetime (effective performance) of 30 years. On average, count that the lifetime of photovoltaics does not exceed 35 years. However, this does not at all mean that the solar panels will stop generating electricity after that time. The guarantee says that, with proper operation, the energy production will decrease slightly after 25-30 years. In addition to performance, there is also a workmanship (equipment) or product warranty. This type of warranty covers various types of manufacturing defects, such as a faulty frame or a broken junction box. In any case, the warranty periods typical for solar panels are definitely longer than for other equipment in the energy industry, averaging 10-11 years. This is enough time to contact technical support and even replace some construction units.

The longer a solar panel is in operation, the more electricity it can generate and, consequently, the more cost-effective it is, with each kWh it generates costing less. Therefore, the longevity of a solar system is an important economic factor in this industry. Different solar panels have different longevity. The brand-manufacturer, high-quality components and accessories for the solar system, the class and type of panel are of great importance here.

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