Solar power is an excellent way to generate free electricity, get away from the grid and do your part for the planet. But, we know that the entire system can feel like a big investment – so it’s natural to want to ensure it’ll stand the test of time.
To help you get to grips with the lifespan of a solar system, in this article we discuss how long to expect your panels to last, and steps you can take to maximise their longevity.
How long do solar panels typically last in Australia?
Generally, solar panels come with an average performance warranty of 25 years in Australia, depending on the quality of the brand and how well you look after it.
Of course, they won’t just drop dead after this period – they’ll just have degraded. Degradation affects all electrical appliances, including solar panels, and slowly reduces their efficiency over time. Usually we’d expect the degradation rate of a modern PV panel to be about 0.7% per year, which means in 25 years your system’s electricity production would have dropped to around 80%.
Factors that impact the lifespan of a solar panel
The most common factors which affect the lifespan of a solar panel include:
- Degradation: As stated above, degradation is inevitable, but certain environmental conditions make it worse. High humidity is one, as are extreme temperature changes and UV damage (this last one is mainly an issue for poor-quality panels).
- Quality of the product: Solar panels are like any other appliance – there are high-quality brands and there are low-quality brands. Getting a good brand from the outset can help ensure longevity.
- Quality of the installation: A poor installation can increase the risk of damage to your solar panels, which is why it always pays to bring in a professional solar installer.
- Maintenance: Good maintenance can keep your solar panels operating efficiently and safely for longer. More on that below.
- Faults or damage: Faulty parts and damage to critical parts can both prevent a solar panel from operating effectively, or cause it to need replacing.
How to make your solar panels last longer
General tips to maximise the lifespan of a solar system
1. Ensure you get quality components from the get-go. Good brands designed to work well in Australian conditions will generally last longer, degrade less quickly and require fewer repairs.
2. Always use a qualified installer. Smart installation of your solar system should increase its lifespan. For example:
- Smart positioning will reduce shading and improve resistance to strong winds, and proper orientation should allow your panels to self-clean in the rain.
- Proper installation improves the system’s durability in all weather conditions, ensuring nothing comes loose or gets damaged during storms.
3. Create a maintenance schedule. Your solar panels should be cleaned every year, either taking care yourself or hiring a professional solar servicer to do it for you. We’ll cover this in the next section.
4. Don’t ignore issues. If you notice a drop in power output, increased dirt or debris on your panels, or any other small issue, tackle it immediately – small issues are easy to deal with, and intervening can help reduce the risk that they’ll turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
Learn more: What to look for when buying a solar power system
Cleaning your own solar panels
How often should you get your solar panels cleaned?
You should generally aim to have your solar panels cleaned at least every six months. If you live in either a particularly dusty or coastal region, aim to get them cleaned seasonally.
How to clean your own solar panels
Cleaning your own solar panels is relatively easy, though we’d note that it’s generally better to get a professional to do it for you – that way you’ll minimise the risk of damage, and you can ensure it’s done with proper equipment.
If you do want to give it a try yourself, or at least learn more about the process, check out our guide on cleaning solar panels here.
How to get your solar panels professionally cleaned
This one’s super easy – just give Think Renewable a call!
We’ll send a qualified electrician around to your property with the proper cleaning and safety equipment, getting the job done quickly and easily (usually it takes only a couple of hours). We know how to avoid damaging a system, and while we’re up there we can check for faults, damage and other maintenance issues too.
Book your service today by filling out this form.
Solar panel maintenance tips
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Cleaning is the main maintenance concern of any solar panel system, but there are a few other things to think about too:
- Conducting regular inspections to check for dirt, debris and other build-up.
- Checking for faulty or loose parts.
- Keeping the area clear of animal nests.
- Trimming nearby vegetation to avoid future damage.
- Regular system performance checks to monitor for issues.
Most of these you’ll need a professional for, as they’re quite technical. While you can usually clean your own panels and trim vegetation, you’ll maximise the lifespan of your system if you let a qualified electrician monitor for faulty parts, replace damaged hardware and keep an eye on the system performance.
Learn more about how we can help bird proof your solar system here, or what’s involved in a solar system health check.
Need further help? We’re here for you
When it comes to installing and maintaining high-quality, long-lasting solar power systems, we’re Australia’s experts.
Check out more about our solar servicing, or book a call to talk about your property’s unique needs.
