How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Lifespan & Degradation

Solar panels are one of the most durable pieces of home equipment you can buy. Most are built — and warrantied — to last 25 to 30 years or more, and they keep producing well beyond that.

Panel lifespan and warranties

• Performance warranty: most panels guarantee around 85–90% of original output at 25 years.
• Product warranty: covers defects, commonly 12–25 years depending on the manufacturer.
• Panels don’t suddenly “stop” at 25 years — they just keep slowly declining, often still producing 80%+ decades later.

Degradation: how output declines

Panels lose a little output each year — typically 0.3%–0.7% annually. At ~0.5%/yr, a panel still makes about 88% of its original power after 25 years. This gradual decline is already built into good savings estimates (ours included).

What actually wears out first

Panels usually outlast their supporting parts:

• Inverter: the most likely component to need replacement, often around 10–15 years for string inverters (microinverters tend to last longer). Budget for one inverter replacement over the system’s life.
• Roof: if your roof is near end-of-life, replace it before installing — removing and reinstalling panels later is costly.
• Batteries (if fitted) have their own shorter lifespan, typically 10–15 years.

How to make them last

• Choose reputable panels and installers with solid warranties.
• Keep them reasonably clean and unshaded (see maintenance basics for sizing around shade).
• Monitor production so you catch an underperforming inverter early.

Bottom line

Expect 25–30+ years of strong production from quality panels, with one inverter replacement along the way. That long life is exactly why solar’s payback — often 7–12 years — leaves many years of nearly free electricity afterward. See the math in is solar worth it.

Educational information only. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer — read them before buying.