%20(1).png)
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- David Kranker
- May 23
- 8 min read
If you’re thinking about investing in solar panels for your home, you’re probably also wondering how long they'll actually last. Will they generate electricity for decades, or will you need to replace them sooner? Are they actually worth the initial investment?
The good news is that modern solar panels are built to withstand years of exposure to the elements while maintaining their performance quality. Solar panels generally have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, but they could last longer depending on a number of factors. In this blog, we’ll explain the factors that help determine solar panel lifespan, show you how to spot signs of degradation, and provide maintenance tips that can keep your system running for much longer.
What Determines Solar Panel Lifespan?
Several factors influence how long your system will continue producing electricity. Learning what they are and how they impact performance can help you maximize their lifespan.
Manufacturing Quality and Materials
Higher quality materials and construction methods make panels last longer and perform better throughout their lifespan.
Premium silicon cells resist degradation and maintain efficiency longer than alternatives.
Tempered low-iron glass provides superior protection against weather damage and UV exposure.
Anodized aluminum frames resist corrosion from humidity and salt air.
Advanced encapsulant materials prevent moisture intrusion and protect internal components.
Quality junction boxes and wiring connections reduce failure points throughout the system's life.
Environmental Factors
Your local climate and weather patterns directly affect how long panels last and how well they perform over time.
Moderate temperature fluctuations reduce thermal stress compared to extreme climates.
Regular rainfall naturally cleans panels and removes accumulated debris.
Low frequency of severe weather minimizes the risk of impact damage.
Coastal winds help keep panels cool, improving efficiency and reducing degradation.
Manageable snow loads don't typically stress mounting systems.
Installation Quality
Proper installation techniques help panels reach their full lifespan potential and avoid early problems.
Proper mounting keeps panels secure during storms.
Correct electrical connections prevent damaging hot spots.
Adequate ventilation allows proper heat dissipation.
Professional cable management protects wiring from weather and animals.
Proper grounding safeguards against electrical issues.
Panels don't suddenly stop working after 25 years. Instead, they gradually produce slightly less electricity annually in a predictable degradation pattern. Quality panels lose only 0.5% to 0.8% efficiency yearly, meaning they'll still generate about 85% of their original power after 25 years. This slow decline allows you to plan and budget accordingly. Many homeowners find that even with some degradation, panels continue meeting most energy needs throughout their lifespan.
It is important to note that newer panel technologies show even slower degradation rates than older models. This improvement in technology means systems installed today will likely outperform earlier expectations.
Signs Your Solar Panels Need Attention
Recognizing early warning signs can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Here are some developing issues that can be detected through a visual inspection and/or performance evaluation.
Visual Inspection
Visible cracks in the glass surface, even hairline fractures that might expand over time
Discoloration of solar cells (brown or yellow spots) indicates potential failure
Corrosion on the aluminum frame, particularly around mounting points and corners
Loose or damaged junction boxes that could allow moisture infiltration
Bent or damaged frames that might compromise the panel's structural integrity
White residue or cloudiness behind the glass indicates encapsulant degradation
Performance-Related
Sudden drops in energy production not explained by weather patterns
Individual panel output is significantly lower than the others in the array
Inverter error messages or frequent shutdowns during normal operation
Hot spots visible through thermal imaging or excessive heat from specific panels
Reduced overall system efficiency compared to previous years' performance data
Inconsistent daily or monthly energy generation patterns
Environmental Damage
Burn marks or melted areas around electrical connections
Animal damage, such as chewed wiring or nesting debris accumulation
Storm damage, including loose mounting hardware or shifted panel positions
Excessive soiling that doesn't wash away with normal rainfall
Shading from new tree growth or nearby construction is affecting panel output
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Solar Panels
Proactive maintenance extends system lifespan while supporting optimal performance. Simple preventive care also costs far less than major repairs or premature replacement. Below are some tips for keeping your system in good working order.
Cleaning and Surface Care
Remove dust, pollen, and bird droppings monthly using soft brushes and clean water (when it is safe to do so).
Clean panels early in the morning or evening to avoid thermal shock from cold water on hot panels.
Use mild, non-abrasive soap only when necessary for stubborn debris removal.
Rinse thoroughly to prevent soap residue that can attract dirt.
Check for and remove leaves, twigs, or other organic debris that might accumulate.
Schedule professional cleaning annually or after major storms.
Electrical System Maintenance
Inspect all visible wiring connections annually for signs of wear or corrosion.
Ensure junction boxes remain properly sealed against moisture infiltration.
Monitor inverter performance through manufacturer apps or displays.
Test ground fault protection systems according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Document any error codes or unusual system behavior for professional review.
Replace worn labels or warning signs to maintain safety compliance.
System Review
Examine mounting hardware for tightness and signs of metal fatigue.
Verify panels remain properly positioned and haven't shifted due to wind or settling.
Clear vegetation that might create shading or drop debris onto panels.
Trim tree branches that could fall onto the array during storms.
Inspect roof penetrations and flashing for potential leak points.
Schedule professional inspections every few years for a thorough system evaluation.
Seasonal Maintenance Recommendations
Spring: Clear winter debris and check for ice damage.
Summer: Monitor performance during peak production and ensure proper ventilation.
Fall: Remove accumulated leaves and prepare for winter weather.
Winter: Safely remove excessive snow loads that might stress mounting systems.
Solar Panel Warranty Protection and What It Covers
Most manufacturers offer multiple warranties that work together to protect your system against product defects and support performance guarantees. Learning about warranty types helps you better understand what protection you have.
Product and Material Warranties
Panels usually include 10-25-year product warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. These guarantees cover manufacturing defects, excessive cell degradation, and electrical component failures. They also protect against material degradation and structural frame issues.
Performance Warranties
Performance warranties guarantee minimum power output throughout the system's life. Many quality manufacturers offer extended warranties with specific degradation limits. Underperforming panels typically get repaired, replaced, or compensated according to warranty terms.
Installation and Workmanship Coverage
Installation warranties include the mounting system, electrical connections, and overall workmanship. They protect against leaks, mounting failures, wiring problems, and other installation-related issues that could affect system performance or cause property damage. Professional installation warranties also include labor costs for repairs under manufacturer warranties, so you don't pay out-of-pocket for repairs.
Many manufacturers and installers offer extended warranty programs that provide additional coverage beyond standard terms. They may include extended performance guarantees, comprehensive system monitoring, preventive maintenance services, and enhanced coverage for extreme weather damage. These programs help ensure your system performs optimally throughout its lifespan while protecting your financial investment.
What Happens After Decades of Operation?
After decades of service, panels won't simply stop working. Most continue generating electricity beyond their expected lifespan, though at gradually reduced efficiency. Learning about your options helps you plan for upgrades or replacements.
Continued Operation
Aging panels can continue producing substantial power output, and they often meet household energy needs. Consequently, many homeowners continue using older systems, supplementing them with additional panels if needed. The right decision depends on energy needs, roof condition, and available incentives. Even at reduced efficiency, original panels often substantially offset utility bills with minimal investment.
Selective or Complete Replacement
You can replace individual underperforming panels while keeping functional ones in service. This option maintains optimal performance in problem areas at a lower cost than full replacement, but you’ll eventually want to do a complete system replacement. Newer panels offer higher efficiency, better warranties, and a more attractive appearance. They also produce considerably more electricity per square foot, so you can get additional power with fewer panels.
The solar industry has developed recycling programs for end-of-life panels, in order to recover materials like silicon, silver, and aluminum for new products. Many manufacturers also participate in take-back programs that handle recycling costs, and some offer trade-in credits toward new panels. Improving recycling technology makes this option increasingly attractive.
Making Solar Work for Your Home
Many regions offer favorable conditions for panel longevity with supportive policies and attractive incentives. Learning about these advantages helps homeowners make informed decisions about solar adoption.
Climate and Policy Benefits
Moderate coastal climates provide excellent conditions for panel longevity. Areas with consistent sunshine and temperatures that rarely reach extremes allow panels to operate efficiently while avoiding stress-inducing heat. Natural precipitation helps clean panels, and low-severe weather frequency creates favorable environments.
Net metering programs in many areas allow banking of excess solar production for later use, ensuring credit for generated electricity. Streamlined permitting and standardized agreements simplify installation, while supportive policies create stable regulatory environments.
Incentives for Going Solar
Federal and state incentives are available to make solar adoption more affordable. If you live in Delaware, for example, you may be able to benefit from the following opportunities.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Under the Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly Section 25D), you can claim 30% of your “qualified solar” costs (panels, inverters, installation, etc.) directly against your federal income tax liability for systems placed in service through 2032; that percentage steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. There is no maximum cap on the credit, and any unused portion can roll into future tax years.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and Net-Metering
Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard lets you earn one SREC for every 1 MWh (1,000 kWh) your system produces. Those SRECs can be sold in the state’s procurement auction, providing you with an ongoing revenue stream. Installations built with at least 50% Delaware-made equipment or 75% in-state labor earn a 10% bonus per SREC (20% if you qualify on both counts)
At the retail level, all three investor-owned utilities and the municipal/co-op providers offer net-metering up to 25 kW for residences (100 kW–2 MW for larger customers). Excess generation rolls over month-to-month at full retail value, with an option to cash out annually at the avoided-cost rate.
State-Sponsored Grant and Rebate Programs (Energize Delaware)
Delaware’s Green Energy Fund (which is collected via a small surcharge on your Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC), or DEMEC bill) provides up-front rebates:
Delmarva Power Green Energy Fund: Up to $6,000 toward a residential PV system
DEC (Delaware Electric Cooperative) Green Energy Program: $0.50 /W for the first 5 kW of capacity and $0.20 /W thereafter on qualified residential installs
DEMEC municipal utilities offer similar rebates through their individual “Green Power” funds (details vary by town)
Low-Interest Financing Options
Residential Solar Loan Program: Through Energize Delaware, credit-qualified homeowners can borrow $5,000–$50,000 (up to 70% of project cost) at 3.9% APR for up to 10 years.
Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Program: The state’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy offers grants or deeply discounted installs for qualifying households.
D-PACE (Commercial PACE): Commercial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily property owners can finance 100% of qualifying renewable-energy or efficiency upgrades via a voluntary property-tax assessment with terms up to 30 years
Regulatory and Access Benefits
Delaware’s Solar Rights Law prevents HOAs or municipalities from banning solar panels outright, and streamlined interconnection standards support a clear path to hooking your system to the grid.
Ready to Start Your Solar Project?
At Solair Green Energy Advisors, we help homeowners make the switch to clean, reliable solar energy that lasts for decades. Our team uses quality solar panels and inverters, backed by industry-leading warranties that protect your investment. We handle everything from custom system layout to installation and ongoing support, so that your panels deliver maximum performance throughout their long lifespan.
Don't wait to start saving on your electricity bills and reducing your carbon footprint. Contact Solair Green Energy Advisors today for your free consultation and discover how solar can benefit your home for decades to come. Call us at 302-841-1108 or contact us online to schedule your no-obligation assessment and take the first step toward energy independence.
