Solar Cell Modules Lifespan - 6 Things You Need To Know

1. Quality of components

This is of course the core of the long-term approach. Like any industrial product, the lifespan of a Solar Cell Module is closely related to the quality of its components. Can you imagine driving your car for thousands of kilometers and preventing accidents without minimum quality requirements? This is also true in the solar industry.

2. Assembly quality

Along with component selection, the quality and expertise of the assembly is paramount. In fact, you have to know that all materials don't necessarily work well together. That means it's not just about choosing the best components. You need to choose the best components that work well together. This is another story. Ultimately, the combination of the two will determine the lifespan of your solar panels.

3. Installation quality

If you buy the best solar panels and install them poorly, your asset life expectancy is at stake.

4. Degradation rate

Once your modules are properly installed, their performance will degrade over time. This is normal and well-known. This is mainly caused by thermal stress and mechanical influences that can affect solar panel assemblies. With modern technology, the degradation rate should be less than 1% per year. Most manufacturers show this value within their warranty coverage. Of course, when everything is working well, the level of degradation can be very low.

5. External Conditions

Uncontrolled factors include the climatic conditions in which the solar modules operate. Whether the modules are installed in extremely hot regions or in humid climates, their behavior is affected.

6. Maintenance

The first thing to do is to combine the solar panels with a monitoring system. Without data, it can be difficult to know if your installation is working properly and to identify problems when they arise.

Then, we recommend that you keep an eye on your solar panels for shadows (stuck marks...) or dust, and schedule regular maintenance to check junction boxes, visible connections, and cables, especially grounding.