What Happens to Solar Panels After 25+ Years?
Are your solar panels aging? Like any appliance, solar panels have a finite lifespan -but how long do they last? The answer might surprise you. Find out what happens to solar panels after 25+ years from Ellensburg Solar, Central Washington’s solar power system service and installation experts.
Solar panels typically outlast their 25-year warranty
Warranty expiration does not mark the end of a solar panel’s lifespan. They can produce energy for decades beyond this time.
Energy production persists at a slightly lower capacity
After 25 years, you can expect solar panels to operate at 75-85% of their original capacity, declining in performance at a rate of about 0.5%–1% per year.
How can you tell it’s time to replace solar panels?
A significant drop in energy production, frequent malfunctions or repairs, and panel discoloration may indicate it’s time to replace solar panels.
What to do with old solar panels
Keep, upgrade, resell, or reuse solar panels for lower output applications – or recycle them to reduce landfill waste and repurpose materials.
Solar Panels Typically Outlast Their 25 Year Warranty
Solar panels have a reputation for long performance warranties, which they usually outlast. It’s not uncommon for well-maintained solar panels to keep generating electricity for decades beyond this – but at a reduced capacity, which manufacturers account for when determining solar panel warranties.
Energy Production Persists At a Slightly Lower Capacity
How efficient are solar panels after 25 years? Generally, they decline at a rate of 0.5%–1% per year due to environmental exposure. After 25 years, you can expect your commercial or residential solar panels to operate at 75-85% of their original capacity. Despite the performance drop, they still deliver significant energy savings compared to relying on the grid.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Solar Panels in Central Washington
Although a solar panel’s functional life typically extends far beyond its performance warranty, for systems over 25 years old, it’s wise to have a plan in place for eventual solar panel replacement. As your panels age, monitor system performance. If you notice these signs, it may be time for an inverter replacement or to upgrade solar panels:
· Noticeable drop in energy production
· Solar panel discoloration
· Regular system malfunctions
· Frequent solar panel repairs
What to Do with Old Solar Panels
If your solar panels have passed their 25th anniversary, you have many options:
Keep using your old solar panels
If they still meet your energy production needs, there’s no need to stop using old solar panels.
Upgrade your solar energy system
Replace your panels with new, more efficient technology to generate even more power in the same space. Likewise, upgrade your inverter to boost efficiency and add or upgrade battery storage for greater energy independence.
Resell or reuse solar panels
Use or resell your solar panels for off-grid or lower output applications in outbuildings, garages, greenhouses, animal enclosures, and more.
Solar panel recycling
Reduce landfill waste and repurpose the glass, silicon, aluminum, silver, and copper in panels and wiring. Check with your local solar installer or recycling center near you.
Maximize Your Solar Investment
What happens to solar panels after 25+ years? Ellensburg Solar can help you make an informed decision – whether it’s upgrading, recycling, or relocating your solar panels in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Grandview, Granger, Kennewick, Kittitas, Moxee, Naches, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, White Swan, Yakima, and Zillah. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to discuss your residential solar system upgrade or system maintenance needs today.