In recent years, solar panels have become increasingly popular all around the U.S. That’s not surprising. Switching to solar allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs at the same time!
Of course, solar panels are an expensive investment, so it’s natural to want them to keep paying off years from now. So, how long do solar panels last? Is there a way to increase their longevity? We explain in the article below.
The average lifespan of solar panels
Most solar panels are designed to be durable. In the industry, when discussing their lifespan, you’ll often hear the term “useful life.” Typically, solar panels last around 25 to 30 years, and most reputable installers offer warranties that are approximately the same length. Why? When panels age, their energy production capabilities reduce. However, some components of solar systems, such as aluminum and glass, can last even longer – 40 or 50 years.
Factors that impact solar panels’ lifespan
One of the best parts about solar panels is that they’re not very fragile. For this reason, there’s not much that influences how many years they’re going to last you. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), homeowners usually experience a degradation rate of about 0.75% per year. This means that even if you’ve had your panels for more than 20 years, they can still work pretty well, around 90% of their capacity.
However, you should keep in mind that natural disasters can impact how long your solar roof will last. If a hailstorm or lightning strike hits your property, it can cause severe damage. Although most solar panels are built to survive even rough circumstances, sometimes repairs may be required.
Making the most of your panels
What’s great about solar panels is that they require almost no maintenance. However, there are some actions you can take to ensure your panels last you as long as possible.
Work with a reputable installer
One of the most critical steps of investing in solar panels is choosing a trustworthy contractor. Remember that even the best equipment won’t work well if it hasn’t been installed the way it should! That’s why it’s so critical to work together with a reputable installer who offers not just a warranty, but also proper customer service. A professional contractor knows the best equipment available and will also inform you of any incentives and rebates that could help with the significant investment.
Don’t forget about inspections
While generally panels don’t require much upkeep, it’s still important to check regularly for exposed wires, loose racking, or anything else that could cause issues. Also, don’t forget to inspect your racking system and inverter. On some occasions, you might have to replace your inverter about halfway through your solar panels’ lifespan.
Although you can technically perform inspections yourself, we recommend hiring a professional. If you accidentally scratch or damage your panels, your warranty won’t work.
Make sure your panels are protected
Most solar panels will continue to produce energy for many years. However, there are some steps you can take to protect them from potential damage. For instance, trim any nearby trees regularly to ensure nothing accidentally falls on your panels. Likewise, it’s important to make sure there’s no debris on them.
Sometimes, it’s a smart idea to purchase specialty products that can prevent some issues from arising. For instance, there are products available that will keep animals such as birds and squirrels from creating nests under your panels.
When to replace your solar panels
Nowadays, most solar companies offer physical trackers that monitor the functioning of your solar energy system. Using them is a great way to assess when something is not working the way it should. If you notice higher energy bills after your warranty ends, it may indicate an issue with your system. When your solar panels can no longer produce as much electricity as you need, you should start thinking about replacing them.
Recap: How long do solar panels last
Investing in solar panels is usually a long-term endeavor. In fact, you may find that solar panels installed in the 1980s are still working just fine today! While your home’s solar panels may not last quite as long, you can be sure they’ll provide at least a couple of decades of reliable use.
Thinking about switching to solar? Get in touch with our team at American Home Contractors to discuss your options!
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 10/12/2025