Life Span Of Pv Panels

[Evans Electric]

Heard on the radio the other day ....roof panel need to be replaced after 8 years .

Would this be correct ? 

 

[ProDave]

I hope not.

A few % degredation after 20 years is what most are quoted.

 

[kerching]

I thought it was the inverters that had a short life.....but then what do I know ( see wife for details)

Just saying...

 

[binky]

panels should be good for 30-40 years - if they are warrantied for 80% in 25 years (which most are) then they clearly run on much longer than that. Degradation is usually given as 0.7% per year. Build quality is more likely to be final failure mode, the backing sheet in particular from what I have read.

 

[wozz]

Don't panels have different output and workmanship guarantees?

 

[sellers]

I like how panels come with a 5 year manufactures warranty and a 25 year output warranty. So come 20 years on and your panels broke, surely you just claim it's got 0% output and needs replacing under warranty!! I would try that one..

 

[binky]

The MININMUM performance warranty is 80% at 20 years under the  MCS scheme. Manufacturers warranty covers roof access aswell as a new panel. Its one of the benefits of micro-inverrters, because they are 20 year warranty with roof access. BUT when the do fail, which will be before the panels, you will have to take all the panels off to replace them.

 

[col]

20 years? isn't that about when they finally start paying for themselves?

 

[philbas]

Depends on how much you paid for the system and if you get any sun :slap

Mine will be around 3 year payback

What is this sun thing?

 

[binky]

e-mail today for a German panel now offering 40 year warranty