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EspañolThe lifespan of solar panels
What is the "useful" age of a solar panel? Typically, solar panels do not operate at 100% performance over their entire life cycle. Conversely, solar modules generate less electricity at a slower rate as they age. This process is called degeneration.
As a result of this process, manufacturers offer warranties that vary over time. Typically, manufacturers guarantee that your solar panels will produce 90% of their energy in the first ten years. Over the next 15 to 20 years, production will be reduced to 80%.
Once this useful life is over, the solar panel will continue to generate electricity. However, depending on your financial and energy goals, you may decide to increase production by replacing or adding some solar panels.
What is solar panel degradation?
As mentioned above, solar panels slowly lose their energy productivity over time. As a result, they generate less electricity when exposed to the same amount of sunlight. Wear and tear from external factors such as weather can lead to degradation, affecting its ability to generate electricity.
The formation of microcracks in silicon cells leads to degradation. As a result, the electrical connection deteriorates, resulting in fewer paths for the sun's electrons. Therefore, less energy reaches the inverter. Discoloration and failure of junction box bonding can also cause solar panel degradation.
Since there are many ways and reasons for solar panel degradation, this is a challenging problem to solve. As solar research and technology continue to deepen, manufacturers are expected to solve this problem. Although solar panels have a guaranteed degradation duration, they are still a worthwhile investment.
Factors that cause solar panel degradation
The main cause of solar panel degradation is the weather. Most of the time, small cracks in PV modules are formed due to thermal cycling. Thermal cycling refers to expansion and contraction that occurs when hot or cold, respectively. Solar panels undergo thermal cycling that deforms them, causing cracks to form.
Another factor that can cause this problem is strong winds, which can cause solar panels to bend. Home and business owners are advised to use a professional solar panel installer to avoid this problem. Solar systems with different voltage potentials can also lead to degradation.
In addition, extreme heat or cold, snow, and humidity are also factors that cause solar panel degradation. It's worth noting that most manufacturers produce solar panels that contain UV blockers to prevent damage from sunlight. Solar panels experience a high degradation rate of 1-3% after installation. It is called LID or photodegradation. However, this degradation rate is reduced.
