How often do commercial solar panels need to be replaced?

 

Solar panels are the new-age power generation units. They not only reduce your carbon footprint but also help in making you money if the power generation happens excessively.

But you should always remember that whether it is a domestic solar power generation system or a commercial one, you need to keep in the pink of its health.

Regular maintenance and upgrades will help a lot. It will make the panels last longer.

But one day comes when you need to replace the panels regardless of how properly you maintain them.

Many people do not know when to replace domestic or commercial solar panels? How often should one do that? Let’s understand it.

First, you should know about the lifespan of solar panels

Solar panels are an important part of a business, which relies on solar power systems to meet the energy needs of commercial establishments. But how long do solar panels last?

Thankfully most solar panels have a warranty that lasts for 20 to 25 years. Does it mean that the panel will not work at all after this period?

The exact life of solar panels depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used and the conditions under which the panels are installed and operated.

The answer to the question of how often a commercial solar needs to be replaced is not straightforward. It depends on a number of factors, but the majority of solar panels should last for at least 20 years.

If you are concerned about the lifespan of a solar system, then you need to consult with a qualified installer so that you get an estimate of their expected lifetime.

Degradation of solar panels

Solar panels are electromechanical devices. Therefore, they get degraded after some years.

The degradation process of solar panels is cumulative. It means that you can expect a drop in the power generation daily.

Experts have a formula to calculate this drop. They say that the power generation drops by 0.45 percent each year. However, most manufacturers use a standard degradation rate of 0.75% each year.

So, when you spend money on solar panels, you can expect productivity for three to four decades.

But how much power will the solar panel produce in 30 to 40 years? It is quite a lot, but still, it is a fraction of what it originally produced when the solar panels were new.

Solar panels will last longer if you maintain them well. You will not have to replace them for many years. Regular cleaning can be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional for that. By cleaning, you will remove all dirt and dust. Also, cleaning will remove dust and debris, which may cause further damage. The degradation rate can be reduced by cleaning solar panels at regular intervals. Cleaning will reduce the degradation rate of the solar power generation system.

The longer the lifespan of a solar system is, the higher productivity is. You need to take actions to extend the life of solar panels.