The degradation rate of solar panels significantly impacts their overall lifespan by determining how much less electricity they produce over time. Understanding this process helps in evaluating the performance and longevity of solar panels.
Impact of Degradation Rate
- Yearly Efficiency Loss: Solar panels lose efficiency due to degradation, typically at a rate of about 0.5% per year on average. This means that panels will produce slightly less electricity each year compared to their original output.
- Manufacturing Differences: Higher-quality panels, like those from Panasonic and LG, have lower degradation rates (around 0.3% per year), which means they retain more of their original capacity over time compared to lower-quality panels with higher degradation rates (up to 0.8% per year).
- Useful Life: Despite degradation, solar panels can function for more than their guaranteed useful life of 25 to 30 years. However, as performance declines, it may become cost-effective to replace them with newer models to maximize energy output.
Factors Influencing Degradation
- Environmental Conditions: Weather factors like heat, cold, and moisture can contribute to degradation by causing material expansions and contractions, leading to microcracks in solar cells over time.
- Material Durability: The durability of the materials used in solar panels (e.g., silicon, metals) affects their resistance to environmental stressors.
Extending Lifespan
- Proper Installation: Working with experienced installers ensures that panels are set up to last, reducing potential damage or inefficiencies.
- Maintenance: Regular checks and cleaning can help maintain performance by preventing debris buildup and spotting any issues early.
In summary, the degradation rate directly impacts the lifespan by influencing how much electricity solar panels can produce over time. Despite gradual decline, solar panels remain effective for decades beyond their initial warranty period.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-degradation-rate-of-solar-panels-impact-their-overall-lifespan/
