Research has shown that the carbon payback period for solar panels is on average 1-4 years.9 This means that over a solar panel’s lifetime – typically 30 years10 – it will generate zero-carbon and zero-pollution electricity for decades after any carbon emitted during its production has been paid back.
Heat causes solar panels to degrade over time, so it’s likely that your panels will degrade quicker if you live in a hot climate, as opposed to somewhere colder. Other weather conditions such as hail, humidity and regular strong winds can cause damage to the panels and reduce longevity.
Yes. There are well established industrial processes for this and, in most cases, up to 99% of the materials in a solar panel are recyclable.1 Solar panels are usually made from silicon, or another semiconductor material, installed in a metal panel frame with a glass casing, all of which can be extracted, separated and recycled or reused.
While a report from Green Match found that installing solar panels could save the average home up to £1,005 a year in bills, installation and maintenance costs remain the key factors deterring many homes from switching to green energy. But how long do solar panels last?
Having your solar panels regularly serviced by a reputable professional allows you to discover potential problems early. By doing so, you can take the appropriate measures to fix issues and prevent problems that could cause greater damage to your panels over time.
Though solar panels are fairly low-maintenance, you can extend their longevity by taking care of them at home. Regularly cleaning the panels helps prevent a build-up of debris. Excess debris can reduce efficiency by blocking the sun and damage the panels by scratching and chipping them.