Australia has the greatest solar adoption rate in the world, with over 30% of residences having rooftop solar PV. Australia has deployed over 3 million roof solar photovoltaic systems as until 31 January 2022. Using PV systems to turn sunlight into electricity produces zero greenhouse gas or CO2 emissions.

The excess electricity can either be fed back into the grid or retained in a rechargeable for future use. Batteries can also supply backup power during power outages. A solar PV plus battery combination gives the potential for energy independence from the grid. It is also a significant step in the shift away from using fossil fuels.

Solar panels are essential to achieving greater energy security, but just how long can they last? How long your solar panels last has a significant impact on your finances. Therefore, let’s examine the average lifespan of solar photovoltaic panels in Australia.

How Long Do Solar Panels Across Australia Last?

The projected longevity of the panels is between 25 and 30 years, if not more. In Australia, solar PV panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Therefore, leading manufacturers offer guarantees of up to twenty five years. They guarantee that solar panels won’t spontaneously fail during this period and ensure their energy output won’t fall below a set threshold. In the first 10 years, performance shouldn’t go below 90% of its maximum, and in the subsequent 10-15 years, it shouldn’t fall below 80%.

Based on the type, quality and design, and brand, solar panels degrade between 0.5% and 2% per year. Ensure that your solar panels are of high quality but also installed by a trustworthy installer, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of degradation.

What Factors Affect the Longevity of Solar Panels?

The optimal and efficient lifespan of your solar PV panels is dependent on a number of factors. Those that affect the natural world are the most noticeable.

Humidity

Wetness from a humid environment can eventually erode your solar panels, reducing their performance. This is the case in places where high humidity is more of a permanent fixture than a passing fad (Northern Territory and Queensland residents take note). However, it’s not all troubling because companies are making progress in making their products less vulnerable to the effects of moisture.

Ultraviolet Light

The silicon, the passivation layers, and the interfaces between the two are all vulnerable to damage from UV light within a solar cell. Inefficient current flow could be the result of UV degradation, which could have a domino effect on the system’s overall performance. During the first phase of installation, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the solar cells’ embedded circuitry to buckle or warp.

The quality of your photovoltaic (PV) panels impacts how well they can withstand the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Panels made by less reputable manufacturers sometimes lack effective UV blockers.

Fluctuating Temperatures

It’s common knowledge that when the sun is brighter and hotter, solar panels generate more energy. This, however, is not the case. To some extent, the amount of energy harvested from the sun depends on the ambient temperature. Although the intensity of sunlight that reaches a solar cell remains constant regardless of temperature, the amount of energy that can be extracted from that sunshine varies greatly.

Semiconductor materials, especially crystalline silicon, are utilised to construct solar cells. Temperature has a significant effect on semiconductors.

While cooler temperatures enhance the open-circuit voltage of the panels, temperature changes above the optimum values reduce the open circuit voltage and power production of solar cells.

Temperatures rise and fall all the time, so it should come as no surprise that your panels can expand and contract as the weather changes. High-quality panels are made from high-quality materials by skilled specialists, so this is even another reason to invest in them.

Brutal Gusts of Wind

Wind rates of up to 200 miles per hour are common during weather events like hurricanes, and cyclones can bring even faster speeds that risk damaging rooftop or ground-mounted systems. Knowing how well your solar panels will function during a storm is crucial if you reside in a windy part of the country.

Most are built with wind (and hail) resistance in mind, and some can survive hurricane-force winds. Windstorms typically do not cause significant damage to solar panels.

A solar array’s vulnerability to wind usually lies in the racking mechanism or the roof upon which the panels are mounted, rather than the panels themselves.

The wind can cause significant uplift to solar panels when it blows across a roof with them installed, because the air can flow through the tiny gap that usually occurs between the solar PV panels and the roofing (or between the panels and the ground, in the situation of ground-mounted systems).

Panels can be torn from their mounts, and the mounts can be torn from the ground or roof, should this scenario occur.

Debris

Small scratches or dents on your photovoltaic arrays can be caused by falling debris, even microscopic detritus like sticks, leaves, and dirt.

Due to the fact that sunlight is blocked from reaching the cells in the event of scratches, the energy output is drastically reduced.

Much more severe damage can be caused by heavier debris, such as full treebranches or nuts, for example, because they can split panels entirely.

The obvious solution is to remove any trees that may be directly overhead or nearby, but this isn’t as easy as it may sound when you consider all the ways in which trees can improve your quality of life.

But if you keep up with routine tree maintenance by having your trees pruned, you won’t have to pick between the health of your trees and the longevity of your photovoltaic panels.

In a similar vein, letting debris accumulate on your solar panels will drastically reduce their efficiency and energy output, but this is easily avoidable.

Keep your solar panels clean by spraying them down with water from the garden hose and wiping them down with a microfiber cloth on a regular basis to remove dust and other minute particles.

Only about once every season is necessary. However, apply common sense; if your photovoltaic panels seem dirty or if you can make out a lot of debris on them, you should clean them.

How May Solar Panel Degradation Be Slowed?

Solar panels are dependable and durable, but they have a finite lifespan. A panel’s efficiency often declines over time. Deterioration of solar panels describes this phenomenon.

Solar panels are built to endure extreme weather and all sorts of precipitation, including such snow, hail, and wind, making them very simple to maintain. Furthermore, they rarely require maintenance because there are no moving parts that might break.

Even while solar panels do not require daily maintenance, you can increase their lifespan with normal care and upkeep. To maintain and prolong the life of your solar PV panels, you can adhere to the following guidelines:

• Work with a reliable solar installer who performs annual maintenance checks. They can notify you of any decrease in panel quality or problems with the rack, wiring, etc.
• Be mindful of the rest of your solar panel system (inverters, optimizers, batteries, etc.). Ensure that their technical specifications align and that they function normally. Any one component’s failure could potentially cause harm to the panels due to the system’s inherent interconnectedness.
• Don’t let grime build up on your panels; instead, simply wash them down with water. Microcracks and scratches can form on a solar panel if dust or sand is allowed to accumulate on it for too long. If allowed to proliferate, they will eventually destroy the control unit.
• Clear away the snow and any broken limbs or trees that may have fallen. Greater damage to PV modules, they impose even more pressure on the panels than dust or sand. Moreover, snow that is left on the panels and then freezes might produce microcracks due to the intense temperature.

Don’t Let Degradation Speed Up by More Than 1% Yearly

The rate of degradation describes how quickly solar panels lose their initial efficiency. If a panel degrades at a pace of 1percent per year, for instance, its efficiency will drop by 10% after ten years of use.

In general, solar panels degrade at a rate of about 0.8% each year. This statistic naturally ranges from 1% – 0.5% depending on the components and processes employed by the maker. Degradation rates as little as 0.3% are available from top-tier producers like Panasonic, SunPower, and Q CELLS. As solar technology advances, so too does the rate at which panels degrade over time.

A minor caveat to linear guarantees is that they are generally linear after the second year. Even the finest manufacturers aim for a 2% performance drop in the initial year of operation, but that drop can be as high as 3%. The majority of the degradation occurs right away after the solar panels are activated. During the first few days of sunlight exposure, minute amounts of oxygen actively link with boron, resulting in a decrease in efficiency that lasts for the majority of the year.

We’ll use a 300-watt solar panel to illustrate the degradation rate. With a degradation rate of 0.8% per year and a decline of 3% in the first year, such a panel would produce 291W in the second year, or 97% of its initial output. A 96.2% efficiency level in year three translates to 288.6W of power generation.

Calculating the expected output of the solar PV panels after a given number of years involves multiplying the rate of degradation by the amount of years following year one and then subtracting that amount, along with the drop from year one, from 100%.

In reality, the degradation of solar panels is the subject of the performance warranty. However, you may have noticed that a performance warranty does not ensure a hundred percent successful outcome. Exactly why is it the case? In fact, there are no thermodynamic constraints on solar energy because of the direct conversion to electrical energy that bypasses the need for heat. However, there remain certain problems restricting efficiency of solar panels, such as resistive losses, indirect band gaps, etc.

Degradation of Solar Panels Due to Climate

While solar panels do benefit from the sun’s energy, increasing temperatures reduce their effectiveness. Surprisingly, when the temperature rises, their efficiency decreases. 

In order for solar panels to convert light into electricity, the photons that enter the panel are used to boost the energy level of electrons in a semiconductor.

However, there will be a greater number of electrons in the excited state if the panel is heated to a higher temperature. This lessens the panel’s output voltage and diminishes its efficiency.

The resistance of the circuitry that transforms the solar charge into alternating current increases as temperature rises. Even though today’s hybrid panels are made to be less susceptible to heat, panels can still lose as much as 10% of their claimed efficiency on really hot days.

Panels placed in dry, hot, arid areas, where UV radiation plays a significant role, degrade at the fastest rates. In such conditions, the effectiveness of solar panels decreases by nearly 1% per year.

In cold locations, PV modules degrade at similar rates when exposed to snow and ice loads, however degradation rates improve if snow does not build and slips off the panels (or if the panels are regularly being cleaned).

Not All Solar Panels Break After 25 Years

When the warranty on solar panels runs out after 25 years, they don’t break right away. The only disparity is that if your product breaks, you can’t depend on the company that made it anymore. Yes, solar panels keep getting less and less efficient, but they still make energy. You should not take them off the roof right away. As long as you check on them and keep them clean, they will do their job for several more years.

So, is the money well spent? Or, to be more specific, would solar panels be worth more in twenty five years than their original cost plus the cost of installation plus the cost of all the system’s parts plus this rate of wear and tear? Almost always, the answer is “yes.” In Australia, the average payback time for solar is between 3 and 5 years. After that, solar PV panels bring in nothing but profit. Most of the time, it’s not even about how much electricity your solar panels make, but how much it compares to the electricity costs in your country.

FAQs About Solar Panels

Do Solar Panels In Australia Require Regular Cleaning?

The presence of dirt on solar panels typically has a very minimal impact on the efficiency of the panels. This is due to the fact that rainfall is sufficient to maintain solar panels clean enough to function adequately in the majority of residences throughout Australia. There will be an accumulation of grime, but ultimately there will be enough rain to wash away the majority of it.

How Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?

Water is the most effective cleanser for solar panels, particularly if it has been ionised or distilled. As a result of the water’s ability to attract additional chemicals, cleaning with it is more effective. If you do not have access to deionized or distilled water, softening the water from your hose with a water softener will help increase the water’s ability to clean.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Solar Panels

One of the best ways to make your solar panels last longer is to work with a trusted provider. First, a trusted provider will make sure you get high-quality panels made from quality material. Additionally, a good provider will ensure the panels are installed correctly. Finally, a good solar provider will provide regular maintenance checks to ensure that everything is working properly.

Do Solar Panels Work at Night?

While solar panels can still function on cloudy days, they cannot work at night. The reason for this is simple: Solar panels work because of a scientific principle called the photovoltaic effect, wherein solar cells are activated by sunlight, generating electrical current.

Should You Replace Your Solar Panels After 25 Years?

Solar panel systems will keep producing electricity even after the 25-year warranty period if they are well maintained. However, it is important to note that they won’t be as efficient at energy production versus when they were first installed. 

But you do need to replace your panels if:

• Your solar panels produce too little electricity to the point where they no longer adequately power your home
• Your system was not properly maintained and has many broken panels

Conclusion

Over thirty percent of Australian homes now have solar photovoltaic panels on their roofs, making the country the world leader in solar adoption. How long do solar panels typically last? They’re crucial to ensuring our energy future, but their durability is an open question.

The amount of money you save depends critically on how long your solar panels last. Depending on the kind, quality and design, and brand, solar panels experience annual degradation of 0.5% to 2%. Your photovoltaic (PV) panels’ resistance to UV rays is a function of their manufacturing quality.

Ineffective UV blockers can be found in some panels made by less reputable producers. Another argument in favour of investing in high-quality solar panels is that they are crafted from first-rate components by trained professionals.

Most solar panels can withstand moderate winds without suffering major damage. Your solar arrays are vulnerable to damage from even the smallest particles of debris falling from the sky. Although solar panels are long-lasting and trustworthy, their service life is limited.

If you let debris accumulate on your solar panels, their efficiency and output will suffer greatly. Following these tips can help you keep your solar PV panels in good condition and extend their useful life. A solar panel’s rate of degradation indicates how quickly it will lose its maximum output. The average annual degradation rate for solar panels is 0.8%. Top manufacturers such as Panasonic, SunPower, and Q CELLS provide degradation rates as low as 0.3%. Panels disintegrate at a faster pace in dry, hot, arid environments where UV light plays a larger influence.

Content Summary

• Australia has the greatest solar adoption rate in the world, with over 30% of residences having rooftop solar PV.
• Australia has deployed over 3 million roof solar photovoltaic systems as of 31 January 2022.
• How long your solar panels last has a significant impact on your finances.
• Therefore, let’s examine the average lifespan of solar photovoltaic panels in Australia.
• The projected longevity of the panels is between 25 and 30 years, if not more.
• In Australia, solar PV panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
• Based on the type, quality and design, and brand, solar panels degrade between 0.5% and 2% per year.
• Ensure that your solar panels are of high quality but also installed by a trustworthy installer, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of degradation.
• The optimal and efficient lifespan of your solar PV panels is dependent on a number of factors.
• Humidity Wetness from a humid environment can eventually erode your solar panels, reducing their performance.
• The quality of your photovoltaic (PV) panels impacts how well they can withstand the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
• High-quality panels are made from high-quality materials by skilled specialists, so this is even another reason to invest in them.
• Knowing how well your solar panels will function during a storm is crucial if you reside in a windy part of the country.
• Windstorms typically do not cause significant damage to solar panels.
• But if you keep up with routine tree maintenance by having your trees pruned, you won’t have to pick between the health of your trees and the longevity of your photovoltaic panels.
• Keep your solar panels clean by spraying them down with water from the garden hose and wiping them down with a microfiber cloth on a regular basis to remove dust and other minute particles.
• To maintain and prolong the life of your solar PV panels, you can adhere to the following guidelines: Work with a reliable solar installer who performs annual maintenance checks.
• Be mindful of the rest of your solar panel system (inverters, optimizers, batteries, etc.).
• Don’t let grime build up on your panels; instead, simply wash them down with water.
• In general, solar panels degrade at a rate of about 0.8% each year.
• Calculating the expected output of the solar PV panels after a given number of years involves multiplying the rate of degradation by the amount of years following year one and then subtracting that amount, along with the drop from year one, from 100%.
• In reality, the degradation of solar panels is the subject of the performance warranty.
• Even though today’s hybrid panels are made to be less susceptible to heat, panels can still lose as much as 10% of their claimed efficiency on really hot days.
• When the warranty on solar panels runs out after 25 years, they don’t break right away.
• Yes, solar panels keep getting less and less efficient, but they still make energy.
• So, is the money well spent?
• Would solar panels be worth more in twenty five years than their original cost plus the cost of installation plus the cost of all the system’s parts plus this rate of wear and tear?
• In Australia, the average payback time for solar is between 3 and 5 years.
• Most of the time, it’s not even about how much electricity your solar panels make, but how much it compares to the electricity costs in your country.