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If you are researching best solar panels The first question you may ask about your home is how long will they last? Knowing their lifespan can help you know how many years of free power you can expect after the system pays for itself.
The good news is that solar panels are durable. According to UK installers, most modern systems have a service life of around 30 years glowing greenone of the key reasons for answering “Are solar panels worth it?” is a clear yes.
Most panels also come with a warranty of up to 25 years, giving homeowners long-term peace of mind as long as the system is properly maintained and warranty conditions are met.
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What does a solar panel warranty cover?
Solar panel warranties typically cover two key areas: manufacturing defects and performance guarantees.
The first is simple: If your panels stop working due to a manufacturing fault, you should have them repaired or replaced for free.
Most solar panels are not manufactured in the UK, so these issues will usually be dealt with by your installer or supplier, who will coordinate with the overseas manufacturer or importer to arrange any replacements.
The second part of the warranty – the performance guarantee – is equally important, but often less understood. All solar panels degrade over time as exposure to the elements slowly reduces their ability to convert sunlight into electricity. Degradation rates vary by brand and quality, but typically efficiency loss is about 0.5% per year.
This means that after 25 to 30 years, the output of most high-quality panels will still be around 85% to 90% of the original output. If your panel’s output falls below what is promised in the warranty (for example, below 80% after 25 years), you may be entitled to repair, replacement or compensation.
Simply put, a good warranty gives you peace of mind that your investment will provide reliable long-term performance, even if your panels are manufactured thousands of miles away.
How do I know if my solar panels have stopped working?
The best clue that all is not well is a noticeable drop in production, which you’ll see in increased bills and reduced payments for electricity sold to the grid. Unless something falls on the panel, it’s unlikely that the power output will drop to zero due to panel failure. If your output collapses, your inverter or other critical part of your system may be failing.
What should I do with my solar panels in 30 years?
Probably nothing. You’ll probably still get a fair amount of power from them, and as long as they’re securely fastened to your roof, you won’t need to touch them.
That being said, solar panel technology is improving every year, and after 30 years of development, you may find that the same roof space provides more power, and it may be cost-effective to scrap them and replace them with new models. What’s more, solar panel cost There may be less in Britain in the future than there is now.
Alternatively, it might be much cheaper to buy power from the grid, and new panels might not make sense. It’s hard to foresee that far into the future other than knowing you’ll still need power.
Either way, you can use them for 30 years, or even longer. Solar panel efficiency rises sharply Since the technology’s inception, the efficiency of the best commercial panels has increased from about 6% in the 1950s to more than 22%, with laboratory cells exceeding 47%. A tenfold improvement in efficiency is a key driver for solar energy to become a mainstream, cost-effective renewable energy source.
Can solar panels be recycled?
Yes. Solar panels are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE Regulation)even since Brexit. WEEE regulations force recycling of certain types of electronic products in England at the end of their lives. Solar panels are mostly made of glass and aluminum, which are easily recycled. Silicon, plastic and other metals are also largely recyclable.
In fact, The IEA reports that 80-95% of the materials used in solar panels can be recycled and reused. However, recycled solar panels in the UK are unlikely to be converted into new panels as solar panels are not currently produced in the UK. Most are made in China.
But these parts can be made into other things, such as automotive glass. For more information on how to recycle them, read our introduction British entrepreneur makes it his mission to recycle used solar panels.
Should I insure my panels?
Yes. The warranty covers you if the solar panels are defective or fail to provide the power output you were promised, but the manufacturer won’t be responsible for replacing them if a tree falls.
most Home insurance policies now cover solar panelsso be sure to check if yours also has them, and tell your home insurance company that you have them.