Understanding the lifespan of solar panels: our guide

Solar panels are arguably one of the most resilient and long-lasting pieces of solar energy equipment out there. When compared to the rest of the solar energy system, solar panels stand out as one of the long-lasting pieces of the entire system, with some going beyond the usual three-decade marker. This is why solar panels and solar energy systems, by extension, are becoming very popular in Pakistan. They not only offer relief from the high energy prices but also offer an amazing return on investment and promise the same ROI for the foreseeable future. In this blog post, we will look at just that: the lifespan of solar panels and how and what factors are imperative in maintaining or increasing the lifespan of solar panels.

For the best, most comprehensive and most efficient solar energy solutions in Pakistan, your best option is here: RS Energy. Leveraging extensive experience within the renewable energy market of Pakistan, RS Energy is dedicated to providing consumers with the absolute best in solar energy solutions, be they commercial or residential.

Now, let's start by understanding the lifespan of solar panels and further delving into the factors which affect said lifespan.

Lifespan of solar panels: the particulars

The lifespan of a solar panel is usually around 20 years; high-quality panels will have an even longer lifespan and will continue to generate electricity even long past this time period. In fact, according to one estimate, solar panels installed in the 1980s are still functioning and are still producing electricity, albeit not at the same efficiency as they had when installed more than 30 years from now. That’s how much long-lasting solar panels really are.

However, solar panels might not always work for up to 20 or more years. A lot of that is because of the manufacturing quality of the solar panels; lower-quality panels will only work for a couple of years before needing to be replaced. Whereas high-quality solar panels will continue to work even long after their warranty period has passed away, making them the obvious choice for solar energy systems.

How do solar panels last that long?

As mentioned beforehand, solar panels are constantly exposed to nature. That means that they have to weather storms, rain, snow, and all sorts of extreme temperatures. Since it’s the requirement of the solar panel, they are designed and manufactured to ensure that they can withstand such extreme weather and are long-lasting enough to keep on generating electricity for a decade or two without losing too much of their efficiency.

This also helps with the return on investment you get from the solar panels. Actually, the whole solar energy system, since the upfront costs are a little too much. This includes the cost of the solar panels, which aren’t themselves all that expensive but combined with the rest of the equipment, do make a pretty big dent in your wallet.

So, what is the lifespan of a solar panel? It usually depends on the build quality and the manufacturer; however, on average, you can expect a solar panel to last as long as 25 or 30 years, operating at maximum efficiency. Even after that time period, the panels will continue to generate electricity, just not at the same efficiency as before. And that, in a nutshell, is the lifespan of a solar panel.

Another factor that determines the longevity and efficiency of solar panels is the environmental factors they face. Excessive exposure to extreme temperatures will definitely downgrade the performance and the lifespan of the panel. The difference might be negligible, but the difference in efficiency will become apparent. Maintenance also plays an equally important role in maintaining the longevity of the panel, and as such, proper maintenance is important if you want your solar panels to deliver above and beyond their warranty period.

In a nutshell

Solar panels are resilient and long-lasting owing to their build and construction and the fact that manufacturers test them rigorously before they are eventually released to the public. And this is not just limited to solar panels; in fact, manufacturers ensure that each and every one of their pieces of equipment, be it solar panels, solar inverters, or even batteries, have an extended lifespan and provide as much usability and efficiency as possible to the consumer for the longest time period possible. All in all, the best solar companies, like RS Energy, can ensure that you get a solar energy solution that lasts you a long time.

RS Energy: comprehensive and best solar energy solutions in Pakistan!

As the top solar company in Pakistan, offering complete solar systems and comprehensive solar solutions designed for maximum efficiency, RS Energy is your partner for energy independence. Follow our three-step plan for your customized solar energy solution, which considers your requirements and provides a solution that will energize your premises for the foreseeable future. Consider it an investment for the ages.