What Is the Life Expectancy of Commercial Solar Panels?

The life expectancy of solar panels is an important factor to consider when beginning a commercial solar installation. The longer your solar panels last, the more electricity they will generate and the more money you’ll save. 

Thankfully, commercial solar panels have a long lifespan. Exactly how many years commercial solar panels last can vary depending on factors like the quality of the panel. But in most cases, commercial solar panels will last for about 25 years before significant degradation starts to occur. 

At Boston Solar, we install premium commercial solar panels that come with an industry-best 25-year warranty. We also back our commercial solar installations with an additional 10-year workmanship warranty. 

Solar Panels Degrade Over Time 

As solar panels age, the amount of electricity they produce drops. This is called degradation. All solar panels degrade over time, but it happens slowly. Today’s high-quality commercial solar panels degrade at a rate of about 0.5% per year. 

By the time your solar panels are 25 years old, they will have degraded to the point where their reduced output is noticeable. It’s unlikely that your solar panels will stop working entirely once they reach the 25-year mark. But as output drops, your electricity bills will start to creep back up. At this point, it makes sense to consider a solar panel replacement. 

What Impacts the Lifespan of a Solar Panel? 

There are a few factors that can impact the average life of a solar panel. 

Solar Panel Quality 

Solar panel quality has a significant impact on lifespan. Though they cost more upfront, high-quality solar panels will degrade at a slower rate than lower-quality options. Your solar panels will produce more electricity for longer if you invest in a quality product. 

Solar Panel Maintenance

Many solar installers will tell you that solar panels don’t need maintenance, but this isn’t true, especially when it comes to large commercial solar arrays. Regular maintenance will protect your solar panels from damage and can extend their lifespan. 

Related: Commercial Solar Maintenance Guide 

Solar Panel Installation 

When it comes to solar panels, the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the product. To ensure a long lifespan, your solar panels should be installed by an experienced commercial solar company. 

Boston Solar: Premier Commercial Solar Partner

Boston Solar is the top commercial solar company in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. We install a range of high-quality commercial solar panels and products and will recommend the best products for your needs. We’ve been empowering New England for over 11 years and have installed more than 5,000 solar energy systems. Our team is highly experienced, 100% in-house, and vertically integrated to ensure the best commercial solar experience possible.  

Check our commercial solar FAQs and our completed commercial solar projects to learn more about adding solar panels to your building. We install solar panels for businesses and non-profits of all types and sizes, including schools, warehouses, factories, houses of worship, government buildings, and more. 

Learn more about commercial solar installation. Call 617-858-1645 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.