With sustainability becoming a hot topic today, people have finally understood the importance of being mindful while using Earth’s natural resources. As a result, several sustainable practices are slowly but steadily becoming the norm, and it seems like we’re moving towards a somewhat better tomorrow. One such step towards this direction is adopting solar energy.
Solar energy has become the need of the hour. Thanks to the bouquet of economic as well as ecological benefits it provides, more and more people have now started moving towards solar energy and are installing solar energy systems in their homes and offices. While a solar power system has numerous components, solar panels are the most crucial part of the system. They are a heavy investment; however, if you consider their lifespan, they are definitely worth the purchase.
So, now the question comes – how long do solar panels last? Solar panels, also called photovoltaic or PV panels are designed to last for more than 20 years. They are not only extremely reliable, but the life of solar panels in India has increased dramatically over the last couple of decades.
Remember that the expected life of solar panels does not imply that the panels will stop producing electricity after a few decades. Instead, it simply means that their energy production will be reduced by the amount considered optimal by solar panel manufacturers to meet your energy needs.
How Would the Efficiency of Solar Panels Change Over the Years?
Solar panels, like most technologies, will naturally produce less energy over time. The degradation rate refers to the reduced power output. The median solar panel degradation rate is around 0.5%, which simply means that the energy production of a solar panel will decrease at a rate of 0.5% per year. After 20 years, your panels should still produce approximately 90% of their original output. This is very important while answering how long do solar panels last and understanding the expected life of solar panels in India.
Three Tips to Extend the Life of Solar Panels
Now that you’ve understood how long do solar panels last and how their efficiency changes, you somewhat must have figured out the expected life of solar panels in India. Nevertheless, there are ways to increase the life of solar panels in India. Solar panels are an ideal investment because they require very little maintenance. Unless your area is highly susceptible to dust, dirt, pollen, or sand due to an arid climate, regular solar panel cleaning is generally unnecessary.
While solar panels generally require little maintenance, it is still necessary to inspect and monitor their performance on a regular basis. Here are a few pointers to increase the life of solar panels in India.
Tip #1: Keep your Panels Free of Debris and Other Potentially Harmful Materials
The accumulation of dirt, pollen, leaves, and bird droppings can reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. While rain is usually sufficient for cleaning your solar panels, you may want to hire a professional if you notice your panels aren’t working to their full potential. You should also avoid placing your panels under branches because not only will the shade reduce output, but the branches may fall during a storm and cause serious damage that can reduce the life of solar panels in India.
If any of these elements obstruct or damage your panels, and you lack the necessary training or equipment to take action, contact your solar provider immediately for assistance.
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Panels are Being Monitored on a Regular Basis
Regular maintenance checks will help keep your solar system’s panel performance, meters, inverter, and other components operating at peak efficiency and increase the life of solar panels. It’s also critical to keep track of any changes in your electric bills and energy consumption while increasing the life of solar panels in India.
If your solar panel system is underperforming after rainfall or being hosed down with water, or if you notice an unusual spike in your utility bill, it could be a sign of an electrical problem that requires professional attention.
Tip #3: Collaborate with a Reputable Solar Provider
Finding a reputable solar installer is the best thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your solar system. Although solar systems require little routine maintenance, some solar providers offer comprehensive maintenance packages to ensure they continue to generate clean, affordable, and dependable energy for decades.
With Luminous, you get an excellent range of solar panels with a long-term warranty of up to 25 years. Our team of experts is backed with valuable knowledge to help you install your solar panels effectively and increase the life of solar panels in India. So, wait no more. Explore our e-shop or contact our solar experts today.
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