Did you know that it’s predicted that 3 million solar panel installations will occur in 2021, and then 4 million in 2023? The demand for renewable energy is growing, which has many homeowners considering solar panel installations.

You might be pondering such a subject yourself, but the reality is, these things aren’t cheap. So a key thing to ask is: how long do solar panels last? Read on to find out!

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

To start off, the general solar panel lifespan is about 20 years. But there are several factors at play that can make yours last longer or fail quicker than someone else’s in a different state, or even just your neighbor’s!

So here are some things to consider that’ll affect the lifespan of solar panels.

Bad Installation

Your solar panels will be “living” outdoors full-time, so you better make sure you get a reputable company to do the installation job right. If they’re not properly installed, any rain you might get will degrade your panels over time.

So make sure you dig deep when researching and get a trustworthy company, such as blueravensolar.com/colorado/.

Wind

If you live somewhere particularly windy, or if you experience a very bad storm, this can drastically reduce the lifespan of your solar panels.

Of course, with normal wind, your panels should do just fine. But with extreme winds, they can be bad enough that they shake your panels. They might also cause debris to fall onto them.

As a result, the bonding will wear down quicker than usual, and might even come apart. The debris can also scratch up your panels.

Snowfall

Do you get snow in your area? Then you’ll want to clear your panels ASAP when that fresh powder falls.

If you allow snow to accumulate on your solar panels, this can cause them to break apart and crack due to both the weight and extremely cold temperature. The panels might also warp.

Heat

You might think that just because solar panels collect sunlight and convert it to energy, that they should be able to endure heat. After all, sunlight is hot, right?

However, extremely hot temperatures can cause your panels to wear down. They’ll become brittle and this might allow moisture into the cells. Extreme heat can also cause the panels to crack, break, and become discolored, which affects overall efficiency.

Consider Installing Residential Solar Panels

Now that you know the answer to the question, “how long do solar panels last,” this has probably put your mind at ease. Even with their high initial cost, home solar panels can be well worth the money.

So long as you do your research and get a good installation, then your panels will pay for themselves in no time. Plus, you’ll be doing your part in decreasing your carbon footprint!

To read more on green energy, check out our blog page now!