“Solar panels, like anything else you might invest in, will need some attention over time.
If you have already decided it’s a smart move to get solar, then chances are you might be asking yourself: how long do solar panels last? Solar panels last for at least 25 to 30 years and begin declining in performance over that time by anywhere from 0.5% to 0.8% per year.
This means that while you’ll still have your system up and running after 30 years, it won’t be operating at its best possible production, instead producing around 85-87% of its initial output. (Tongwei Co., LTD)
So… when might you need to replace or, worse, remove, your solar panels? The rate at which your panels will degrade is influenced by weather, maintenance, and installation quality. You’ll learn when you need to maintain your panels and when it’s time to remove or replace solar panels. This article has everything.
And lastly, you’ll know exactly what to do, like when to call for solar panel repairs or when it’s time for a new system. So, read this guide all the way to the very end to understand everything you need to do for the ideal solar panel lifespan!
Average Lifespan of Solar Panels
It is a primary concern among homeowners and businesses when choosing solar panels that are they durable enough? And although many panels are still functioning after 25 or even 30 years, a loss of power over the course of that period is inevitable for others.
This can be interpreted to mean that by the time you hit around 25 years, your panels, in most cases, will be at around 80% of the efficiency at which they functioned the day they were installed, if you consider the nominal degradation of 0.5% to 0.8% per year.
Everybody offers the 25- to 30-year range (you can get into the 40s for a few companies), but that doesn’t mean your panels are going to stop producing by year 30. It can still generate electricity, though at a slower pace.
It’s true that your solar panels will degrade over time, but with proper maintenance and regular solar inspections, you can slow down the degradation of your panels so that they’re working as much as possible and for as long as possible.
5 Factors That Affect Solar Panel Lifespan
Many factors may affect the lifespan of your solar panels and their energy output and efficiency. Were you aware that weathering can impact the efficiency of your panels by up to 10-15% over time? Excessive snow, heat, or rain can age your system in advance.
Proper maintenance and cleaning can boost output by 5 to 10 percent by getting rid of the debris that impedes sunlight. Bad installation or a roof can reduce the life of your system by 5 to 8 years. Inverter health is a factor as well, as inverters generally last 10-12 years and need your attention.
- Weather Conditions: Over the years, extreme temperatures or heavy snow or rain can cause your solar panels to become worn and not work quite as efficiently.
- Maintenance & Cleaning: Clean your system and ensure it is free of dust, dirt, leaves, or other debris that will block sunlight and lower your system’s energy production.
- Roof & Installation Quality: If the panels are not mounted or installed correctly on the rooftop, their lifespan can be drastically diminished. If the Roof is Good and the Installation is Good, your efforts will never be in vain.
- Inverter & Electrical Health: The inverter, which converts solar energy into usable electricity, often has a shorter lifespan than the panels themselves. Proper maintenance is essential.
- Pest Interference: Pests like bird droppings or rodents can chew away at panels if not swiftly taken care of, disrupting performance and life span.
When Should You Consider Solar Panel Removal or Replacement?
Most solar systems are expected to last for decades, yet there are certain indications that removal or replacement is needed. The solar panels, as they near the end of their life, may not be as effective as they were when you first got them, and that could affect your energy cost savings as well.
Signs You Need to Consider Solar Removal or Replacement:
- Consistent Decrease in Power Generation: If you notice a sudden and consistent drop in energy generation, this could mean your panels have become too degraded to be effective
- Physical Damage or Microcracks: Any visible body harm equivalent to seen cracks or micro-cracks that will diminish the panel’s ability to seize daylight and produce power.
- System Reaching 20+ Years: Although solar panels can last for 30 years, if your system has been in place for 20 or more years, it may be time to replace it to optimize your energy production.
- Frequent Repairs or Inverter Failures: If your solar panels require continuous maintenance or you are facing regular inverter issues, this can often indicate a diminished efficiency of the system – and it’s a sign that the system is simply nearing its end.
- Roof Replacement and Other Structural Changes: If you need a new roof or need to make some structural changes to your home, you might have to remove your solar panels and reinstall so don’t get ruined during the repair.
Steps of Professional Solar Removal & Reinstallation
In some cases, taking down solar panels is something you will be doing as part of a larger home project, like replacing the roof or making major renovations. Professional solar panel removal is required to work safely and properly, and to reinstall them after the job is done without any damage.
Simplified Steps of Solar Removal & Reinstallation:
- Initial Inspection and Energy Assessment: An initial check of the condition and energy production of your system will be carried out by professionals.
- Safe Panel Removal: Panels are removed without damage, and wiring and parts are disconnected as they should be.
- Roof or Structural Work Completion: Roof or structural work you need on your house is done without interruption due to your solar system.
- Reinstallation with Upgraded Hardware: Then, after the roof or structure has been addressed, panels are reinstalled with any needed upgraded components, such as new inverters or wiring.
- Find out the reasons you’ll want to book expert solar services with our team at Solar Medix. Read more on our most recent blog post: Why You Should Book Professional Solar Services with Solar Medix in 2025.
Why You Should Choose Solar Medix for Solar Removal & Replacement
At Solar Medix, we specialize in the removal and reinstallation of solar panels.
Here’s why you should trust us with your solar needs:
- Certified in multi-brand panel repair & replacement
- Safe removal and roof inspection to prevent leaks and damage
- Inverter and system optimization during reinstallation
- Specializing in home and commercial solar power in NJ, NY, TX, and MA
- Upgrade to higher efficiency panels for more long-term savings.
Want to Protect Your Investment? Book a Solar Assessment Today!
Your solar panels are a good long-term investment, but they won’t last forever without a little help. Knowing the average 25-30 year life span—and being able to recognize when it’s time for removal or replacement—is the key to locking in peak performance and serious savings.
While it’s also true that efficiency tapers off slowly — 0.5 to 0.8 percent maybe per year — there are things you can do to push back a little, like keeping an eye on such things as days with less output, everyday maintenance and the general state of the panels.
Acting fast dodges big bills and keeps your energy flowing strong.
Spotting trouble early? If your setup’s output is tanking, panels look beat up, or it’s clocked over 20 years, don’t wait—grab a professional inspection to decide on upgrades. Acting fast dodges big bills and keeps your energy flowing strong.
Wondering if your system’s pulling its weight? Watch for these red flags:
- Steady reduction in power production
- Non-stop fixes or inverter headaches
- Obvious cracks, dents, or wear
Bottom line: Don’t let fading efficiency drain your wallet or your green goals.
Step up today—book that expert check with Solar Medix. We’re your go-to pros for top-notch maintenance, seamless removals, and replacements that’ll supercharge your setup.
Reach out now and keep your solar game unstoppable.
FAQs
Kick in a swap when your panels hit 25+ years and their output's tanked big time. Spotting this early via routine checks keeps things smooth and saves headaches down the line.
Most hold up strong for 25-30 years, though they lose some pep gradually. Stick to solid upkeep, and you'll push that lifespan further, squeezing out max value from your setup.
Time to upgrade if efficiency's shot and fixes just aren't cutting it anymore. Panels over 20 years? That's prime territory for a refresh to keep your energy game on point.
