How Often Do Solar Panels Need Replacing?

A high-quality solar panel produces power for twenty to twenty-five years. It is the average lifespan of a solar panel in any weather condition.

Like other devices, solar panels might need replacement in some cases. But, replacement is the last step of maintenance, and you should replace a solar panel after extreme damage.

As a solar panel consumer, you should know the facts and times about solar panel replacement. It will help keep the panel productive and get sufficient power from the solar system.

With an inefficient solar panel, you can not get expected power from the system, even on a hot summer day.

This writing presents a complete guideline for solar panel replacement and discusses six simple steps to replace solar panels.

Do Solar Panels Need Replacing?

Solar panels only need replacing when broken, damaged, and can not produce energy. Without these problems and difficulties, you don’t need to replace a solar panel.

Solar panel manufacturers provide a high-quality solar panel with 25 to 30 years of warranty and guarantee.

The warranty period is divided into two sections. The first 10 or 15 years warranty covers the power production that means a warranty of efficiency.

You will get the next 25 to 30 years of warranty coverage, including the panel and body warranty.

If your solar panel can not produce sufficient power and the degradation rate is higher than that of the standard rate, it will be better to replace the solar panel.

Similarly, solar panels are outdoor units that can be damaged due to extreme blows or hits. You can replace the solar panel when the physical condition is damaged.

The lifespan of a Solar Panel

If you consider the end of the life of a solar panel when it will be unable to produce electricity, the lifespan of a solar panel is approximately 20 to 30 years. There is a 5 percent degradation rate per year of any solar panels.

The lifespan depends on several things, including the panel’s quality and where you are using it.

Solar panels are made to survive outdoors in any weather condition. So, if you have a high-quality solar panel, it will serve you for your whole life.

Panel Brands and Warranties

A list below has some of the respected companies and their warranties.

MANUFACTURER	MAXIMUM PRODUCT WARRANTY
Amerisolar	12 years
Axitec	12 years
Canadian Solar	10 years
Centrosolar	10 years
China Sunergy	10 years
LG	25 years
Panasonic	25 years
Hyundai	10 years
Green Brilliance	5 years
JinkoSolar	10 years
Kyocera	10 years
Trina Solar	10 years

Do You Need To Replace Solar Panels?

As discussed, solar panels’ efficiency remains for 25 to 30 years. It doesn’t mean that you won’t get any energy after this time frame.

The efficiency will be reduced when the panel’s age reaches 40 or 50 years. You can run the solar panel after this high-efficiency period.

You need to replace the solar panel when you are not getting as much energy as you want. You can also add a new solar panel with the existing one to add more power to the old solar panels.

Experts suggest adding a power inverter to enhance the performance of solar panels when the degradation rate is higher than normal.

What Affects Solar Panel Lifespan?

Solar panel lifespan can be affected by different things. First of all, you have to consider a solar panel’s external and internal conditions separately.

You know that the external part covers the physical body. Snow, ice, hot weather, humidity, and dust can affect the body of the solar panel.

On the contrary, the internal part that means efficiency can be lost for high power devices, solar panel components, and voltage differences with higher discharging.

Snow, rain, or humidity can not affect the solar panel’s surface instantly, but it will reduce efficiency and productivity over time.

How Often Do Solar Panels Need Replacing?

You don’t need to replace the solar panel before 10 years. The manufacturer provides a 25 to 30 years warranty. You will get a replacement or repair from the supplier in this period.

So, you can power your home, office, or devices continuously for a long time. You will have an established and protected power station for years.

But, the situation will be different in case of an emergency. For instance, if a hurricane or storm damages your solar panel and other destruction, you might immediately change the panel.

It depends on the condition, accident, extreme weather, and more. Normally, you don’t need to change solar panels frequently.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Solar Panels?

The solar panel replacement cost is more than $700 on average. It depends on the damage and size of the panel. The labor cost is $100 per hour. Besides, an entire solar panel removing will cost you $400 – $500, and it is without roof repairing cost.

You have to pay more when removing the solar panel than installing a new one. The job is very technical and needs close attention to do everything.

Remember, you are replacing the solar panel that means it will take removing and installation costs together.

If you need to change all the solar panels, it will be more expensive.

Can You Replace Solar Panels Yourself?

You can replace the solar panel yourself, but we suggest hiring a professional solar panel installer. It will help you to complete the task effectively and quickly.

A solar system requires several panels, and all the solar panels are installed together. If you want to replace a single solar panel from the roof, you might make a mistake that will cost more.

Besides, the wiring and internal connection are more difficult than you think.

So, if you spend money on hiring a professional, it will be effective, cost-saver, and perfect.

6 Simple Steps To Replace Solar Panels

You can simply replace the solar panel when facing problems with the existing one. These easy steps will help you replace the solar panel quickly and efficiently.

Disconnect Your Solar System

Safety is the primary concern when removing or replacing solar panels. First, you have to disconnect the connection. It includes the connection of the charge controller, battery, inverter, and solar panels.

If you have a grid-tied solar system, you have to ensure that the connection is disconnected properly.

Disconnect Single Solar Panel

In the second step, you need to disconnect the individual solar panel from the inverter from the sting. It will separate the connection between solar panels, and you can remove the selected one easily.

Besides, this process will allow you to run the solar system without a single solar panel. If you need more time to replace the panel, you can use limited power.

Remove Solar Panel From the Mounting Frame

Now, it is the third step when removing the solar panel from the mounting instrument. Do this job carefully and ensure that other solar panels are safe and secure.

You can use a hanging rope to keep the panel bound on the rooftop.

Remove Mounting Frame and Hardware from the Roof 

It is only applicable for removing all the solar panels from the roof. You will remove the solar panels and the mounting hardware completely from the roof in this process.

After completing this step, you can repair the roof and remove dust from the covered page. It will enhance the longevity of the roof. You don’t need to remove the panel again to repair the house shortly.

Repair the Damaged Solar Panel or Buy a New One

Check the solar panels after removing them from the mounting frame. If possible, repair the existing one. It will save your costs.

It is better to purchase a new one for an extremely damaged solar panel. It will give you extreme power and ensure efficiency.

Install the New Solar Panels

Set the mounting frame and solar panels in the right place. Connect all the devices and with solar panels to start energy production again.

Ensure that everything is re-checked and you are getting sufficient energy after replacing solar panels.

Ask the installer to connect the grid again if you have a grid-tied connection.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, it can be said that you don’t need to replace the solar panel frequently. This outdoor solar system device is manufactured to perform in any weather condition for 25 to 30 years.

A solar panel will produce energy for this long time, and a high-quality panel will serve you for your whole life.

Before installing and replacing a solar panel, compare the efficiency, durability, and longevity with the price. It will allow you to use the same panel for a long time.