How long do solar panels last?

When deciding whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment, one of the first questions asked is how long they last.

25 years. Yes really. Why? Because there are no moving parts. As with most technology, you should expect the efficiency of the panel to drop off a little over time, but they should still be performing at around 80% of their original output by that point. One thing to note is that the inverters, the bit of kit that turns the DC current generated by the solar panels into AC current for use in your home, will need replacing once during that time, so do budget that into your calculations as the price of this can vary.

Are solar panels high maintenance?

Solar PV panels themselves are very low maintenance; as we mentioned above, there are no moving parts, pumps, refrigerants, water or other things to deal with compared to other home technologies such as boilers.  

Solar panels also have a hydrophobic coating, which, while not exactly “self-cleaning” does reduce the ability for dirt to stick and helps rain wash away dirt, dust and bird poo. If you live in a particularly seagull or pigeon-heavy location, for example, there may be times you will need to get the panels cleaned to maximise their efficiency. But one bird poo does not stop the panel working, so you don’t need to panic at the sight of a white splat on those super new sleek black panels adorning your roof. A good heavy rain shower will do most of the work for you!

Do solar panels require long-term maintenance?

The maintenance requirements on PV are minimal. You may need to do a bit of cleaning, described above. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on what you’re generating, of course, to ensure it’s working properly – for which an app or the generation meter is the best place to look. And the inverter will need to be replaced at some point in the future. Apart from that, you shouldn’t expect any significant ongoing maintenance costs, and PV panels should not require annual maintenance by a third party.

Let’s sum up

You will reap the benefits from your solar panels PV for 25 years. The panels are designed to last with minimal maintenance. Our advice is to choose a certified installer through Thermly so you can rest assured that you’re going to get a high quality, long lasting and high performing installation.