But, in general, you can expect your solar panels to be a good energy source for a long time, usually around three decades. As solar panels get older, there are a few signs that show they’re not as young as they used to be. One big sign is if they’re not making as much electricity as before. This can be a slow change that happens over many years.
Pumps on average will last around 10 years, and some electrical components such as controllers may need replacing. However, neither of these are prohibitively expensive. Check with your installer exactly what is covered by your warranty and what parts may need replacement during the overall lifespan of your solar system..
However, the inverter doesn't have the same longevity as solar panels. The Energy Saving Trust website says: "if you have a solar PV inverter, you need to replace this after around 12 years. This costs around £800, depending on system size and the manufacturer.
If you are considering adding solar batteries to your PV system to store the electricity generated to use at a later date, these also have a shorter shelf life of anything from 5-15 years.
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.
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?