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Do Solar Panels Become Less Effective Over Time?

One assumption that many new solar panel owners make is the idea that solar panels are a one-and-done deal that’ll last forever. Like with anything else in life, solar panels degrade over time, albeit very slowly. But with the right knowledge provided by your friends at Solar Bear Houston, you can learn how to get the longest possible lifespan out of your solar panel setup.

What Causes Solar Panel Degradation?

To put it into numbers, solar panels have a degradation rate of around 0.5% a year. You may think that this percentage is minuscule, and it really is when you put it into perspective. At the very least, a solar panel can last 25 years but it can be much longer than that. But what causes them to degrade in the first place?

Light / UV Exposure

If a solar panel’s job is to absorb light and UV rays, then why would exposure to the sun cause them to wear out? A frying pan is meant to go on a flame, but the bottom will still sustain heat damage. Clothes are designed to be washed, but too many rinse cycles can loosen up the fabric. Solar panels are the same way when enduring the wear and tear of regular use.

Intense Weather Conditions

Although many solar panels are designed to withstand rain, wind, and other weather conditions, harsh and regular exposure can wear your panels down faster than if they weren’t being hindered by these events.

Improper Energy Distribution

Solar panels that have been installed incorrectly may suffer inconsistent energy usage. For the most effective setup, an even or balanced amount of electricity is ideal. However, poor installation can lead to too much energy overloading certain parts or not enough energy causing parts to try harder than usual.

Ways to Increase Your Solar Panel’s Lifespan

Even though you can’t completely stop the degradation of solar panels over time, you can still enjoy fully-functional panels over the course of many decades by:

  • Acquiring high-quality solar panels
  • Hiring the best contractors in the area
  • Keeping up with regular maintenance

What does proper maintenance for solar panels involve? It doesn’t really take much, but that little bit of extra care can go a long way. One of the most important things you can do is to clean them about every six months. Solar panels can get dusty if left untouched for too long, thus hindering the effectiveness of their solar-collecting properties. Getting up on the roof yourself can be dangerous, but you can leave the cleaning to the professionals. They’ll likely know the proper methods to make them good as new!

As time moves on and technology becomes more advanced, the natural lifespan of a solar panel will continue to increase. To ensure that you get the absolute best and highest-quality solar panels available that’ll last you longer than average, seek out the best solar company in your area.

The Best Solar Panel Company in Houston

If you’re looking for the best quality solar panels with the most skilled contractors for the longest-lasting energy-saving experience in Texas, Solar Bear Houston can hook you up with the best setup at an affordable price. Call (727) 471-7442 today for a free estimate!