Investors and solar users often worry about solar panel longevity, as these critical components represent the highest cost in any solar installation. This concern is valid since panels act as the system’s ‘heart.’ The original article by Vu Phong Energy Group provides foundational insights into solar panel lifespans. We enhance this analysis with practical expertise from Vu Phong Energy Group, revealing how proper installation, maintenance, and type selection can truly maximize solar panel lifespan and ROI.
During the consultation process, investors frequently inquire about the solar panel lifespan. This is a reasonable concern, as solar panels, often considered the “heart” of the system, are crucial to overall performance and represent the highest total cost of ownership upon installation.
How long do solar panels last?
The solar panel lifespan can range from 30 to 50 years or more, depending on the panel type. Typically, solar panels come with two types of solar panel warranties: equipment warranties and performance warranties. While equipment guarantees are commonly 10-12 years, performance warranties can extend up to 25-30 years, varying by brand. Most manufacturers guarantee a maximum solar panel degradation performance of 10% for the first 10-12 years and 20% beyond 25 years. However, certain high-quality module manufacturers, such as LG Solar, guarantee that the panels’ efficiency will remain up to 90% after 25 years. Even after the manufacturer’s performance warranty expires, the panel’s operational life can still be quite lengthy, as explained in the article on Solar Cell Structure. Learn more about Solar Panel Structure.
According to some research, a solar panel lifespan can reach 30-50 years before it ceases to function effectively. However, how long do solar panels last varies based on several factors affecting solar panel lifespan, including brand, type of cell, installation quality, operation, and environmental conditions. For instance, Thin-Film panels often have a shorter solar panel lifespan by type compared to silicon-based panels. Monocrystalline (Mono-Si) panels generally boast a longer lifespan and higher efficiency than polycrystalline (Poly-Si). High-quality Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) panels can have a lifespan exceeding 50 years. Improper installation, unsuitable siting, and other factors can significantly impact the longevity and actual performance of the solar panels.
Solar panel longevity is a key consideration for investors.
How can you extend the lifespan of a solar panel?
To ensure you select a high-quality, long-lasting solar panel, it is advisable to start by choosing a reputable solar panel manufacturer. Investors should consider the following points during installation and operation for extending solar panel life:
Standard installation from the start: Proper installation is fundamental to how to extend solar panel lifespan. This includes mounting the panels in the correct orientation with optimal inclination, avoiding shading obstacles, ensuring adequate spacing between panel arrays, and utilizing suitable, high-quality accessories such as aluminum frames, foundation structures, and tempered glass. Experienced technicians are essential to ensure adherence to proper standards that enhance the solar panel lifespan and performance while maintaining safety for users.
Regular system maintenance: A consistent solar panel maintenance schedule is crucial for longevity. Maintenance can be conducted daily/weekly/monthly, quarterly, annually, or every five years. For comprehensive details, refer to our guide on effective operation and maintenance processes. Particularly for facilities in dusty areas, such as near thermal power plants, concrete and cement factories, or surrounded by numerous tall trees, regular checks are vital to ensure solar panels are not damaged, as such conditions can accelerate solar panel degradation and reduce efficiency.
Investors should consistently monitor the electricity production to confirm the system is functioning correctly. A sudden drop in power output could signal a panel issue, necessitating prompt notification to the installation unit for timely resolution. Proactive solar panel maintenance and monitoring are key to optimizing the performance of operating solar plants over their full solar panel lifespan.
During the installation phase, investors should engage in thorough discussions with technicians to receive detailed advice on measures to prolong the life of the solar panels and the entire system.
For a detailed price list and equipment parameters, please email hello@vuphong.com, or contact us via hotline 18007171 or +84 9 1800 7171.
Source: Vu Phong Energy Group JSC
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Vu Phong Energy Group is a leading provider with over 12 years of experience as a general contractor for rooftop solar power construction for residential, industrial, and factory projects, as well as solar farms. With a team of over 350 employees by the end of 2019, we have successfully constructed over 500MWp of projects and currently operate more than 325MWp of solar power plants. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certifications, internationally recognized by SGS Global.
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