Environmentalists have always been striving to reduce the number of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

One of the best solutions for accomplishing this is to use solar panels. Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions is just one of the benefits of using solar panels to harness the power of the sun.

One of the advantages of solar panels is that they can provide enough electricity throughout their life span that it can ultimately convince you to do away with conventional means of providing electricity to your home.

Innovate Solar can help you switch to solar power in no time. They can also show you how to extend the service life of the solar panels and take proper care of them so they can last a long time.

Do solar panels degrade over time?

Solar panels should still work even after the estimated expiration date ends. How long do solar panels last? They should work efficiently for at least 20 years. After that, they may become less efficient, but it won’t mean you will need to spend a lot of money to replace them.

The main cause of solar panel inefficiency is the constantly changing weather conditions. Less sunshine means less energy harnessed from sunlight. Furthermore, as the weather gets colder during the winter season, the coating on the solar panels will start to degrade over time.

Solar panels are likely to be damaged during heavy rain or snowfall. Regardless of these conditions, they will still work. The best thing that you can do is to check the condition of the equipment by contacting specialists who can properly maintain your solar system equipment on a regular basis.

What is the solar panel degradation rate? What causes degradation in solar panels?

The degree of degradation is defined as the reduction in the amount of energy produced. This could be caused by damage to the surface of the solar power equipment which is associated with changes in temperature. Because of this, the response time of the components of the solar panel system will start to decrease.

A low-degree solar panel system can work more efficiently. The panel degradation rate also depends on the selected brand of equipment. High-quality equipment can last much longer since it will degrade much less due to environmental conditions. It will also assure you that you will always have the power to brighten up all the rooms in your house.

5 Tips to make your home solar panels last longer

The benefits of using solar panels are numerous. Many people who are thinking of installing solar panels believe that their lifespan will only last up to 25 years. It is always a good idea to follow some basic tips to keep them working for as long as possible.

Keep your panels clear of debris and other damaging materials

The panels’ exposed surface must always be free of contamination so they will continue working even during severe weather conditions. However, adverse weather conditions can still affect their efficiency. That’s why it is always important that the panels are free from:

  • mud;
  • fallen leaves;
  • feathers, and so on.

The best time to clean the panels is in the morning when the outer coating hasn’t warmed up yet. If the panels are subjected to direct sunlight while they’re wet, they can deform.

Make sure your panels are regularly monitored and maintained

Carry out frequent inspections to ensure that each element of the system performs its functions properly.

If the batteries start to store less energy than before, you should call a specialist who can test their performance and offer suggestions for improvement.

Always perform preventive maintenance checks on your solar power system so it will always provide electricity for your home.

Team up with a trustworthy solar provider

The company you contact should have a lot of experience and supply the best equipment. Some companies can even provide maintenance during the entire service life of the equipment.

This way, you can always be assured that the system will continue to function properly. This practice will also help you avoid replacing your solar panels.

Maintain and replace batteries

Large-capacity batteries need to be replaced periodically. To reduce power consumption, opt for lower impedance cables. The batteries must also be recharged regularly to maintain their maximum capacity. Recharging the batteries regularly will help keep the equipment in good working order.

Replace inverters after 10 years

The inverter is the main component of the system which affects the proper operation of the entire solar power system. In this case, the solar panels are less likely to malfunction. Basically, the inverter can work efficiently for 10 years. If it fails, you will need to replace it. The most optimal solution is to install a micro-inverter which should work for at least 25 years.

When to consider replacing your solar panels

At the end of its service life, the equipment may no longer deliver the same amount of electricity that you received when the solar power system was first installed. You can use a special application to find out your panels’ current efficiency rating. This way, you will be able to note the decrease in efficiency and take all the necessary action.

Wrapping up

Innovate Solar can help you with residential solar panel installation. Our experts can select the right equipment with the most optimal parameters.

All you need to do is sign the contract and prevent the equipment from being heavily contaminated after installation. This will ensure that they will operate efficiently for many years to come.