Solar Panel Degradation Over Time

On average solar panels degrade at a rate of 1 each year.

Solar panel degradation over time.

Panels in more moderate climates such as the northern united states had degradation rates as low as 0 2 per year. In the years since this 2012 study was conducted more efficient technologies have been developed and many newer panels have just a 0 5 percent yearly decline in energy. Does that really matter. Quantification of power decline over time also known as degradation rate is essential to all stakeholders utility companies integrators investors and researchers alike.

For most tier 1 solar panels the degradation rate is 30 meaning that each year the panels performance is reduced by 30. Financially degradation of a pv module or system is equally important because a higher degradation rate. Solar panel degradation rates are constantly improving as solar panel technology gets better over the years and degradation rates below 1 are common throughout the industry. For example solarcity the largest residential solar installer in the u s guarantees that its panel efficiency won t degrade below an 80 efficiency rating over a 20 year power purchase.

Below is a comparison of the output of solar power systems over a 50 year period with degradation rates of 0 25 sunpower s expected average 0 4 an excellent rate of degradation 0 8 the mean average found in some studies and 1 the old standard. It does because yearly degradation compounds over time. Solar panel degradation and failure is not a clear cut situation kurtz said. At the other extreme panels in desert climates exhibited large decreases in production over time close to 1 per year mainly due to high levels of uv exposure.

Over 25 years that adds up to a total of 6 96 meaning your panels will operate at 93 04 of their original capacity in 2045. However a study conducted by the national renewable energy laboratory nrel shows a more accurate picture of solar panel degradation. A panel s degradation rate materials temperature coefficient warranty and caliber of installation all influence how long it ll hold up over time.