Learn How Long Your Solar Roof System Will Last
A solar roof system is a great investment for any homeowner. Not only will solar panels help lower your electricity bills, but they are a sustainable source of energy that will last for years. They are incredibly durable and have no moving parts, which means they require next to no maintenance. However, this doesn’t mean that they will last forever. There will come a time when your solar roof system will need to be repaired or replaced even though that time most likely won’t arrive for several years.
The Lifespan of Solar Panels
The average lifespan of solar panels is between 25 and 30 years, although there are some systems that can last as long as 50 years. Their lifespan has a lot to do with the weather conditions in your area. Solar panels on the roof of a home where winters are particularly harsh probably won’t last as long as a region where the weather is milder throughout the year. Since the weather in the Bay Area tends to be relatively mild, any solar panels you have installed should last for around 30 years before they need to be replaced.
Solar Panel Degradation
Solar panels are durable enough to last for decades, and it is unlikely that your own solar panels will suddenly stop working. However, the panels themselves do degrade over time. Different panels have different rates of degradation, but the average rate is between 0.3 percent and 0.8 percent a year. Hiring professional roofing contractors in the Bay Area who help ensure that your solar panels will last for several years before you notice any serious drop in efficiency, but you still might want to consider replacing your panels drops to around 80 percent. For modern solar panels, this will usually happen after about 25 to 30 years.
How To Extend Solar Panel Life
The best way to extend the life of your solar panels is to work with quality contractors who will have your system installed correctly the first time. After that, it’s a simple matter of monitoring your system and making sure it’s still in good shape. Look for signs of damage such as loose racking or any serious drop in efficiency, and look over your panels and your roof about once a month. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to do much to keep your solar roof system in good shape, but you can always find contractors offering solar photovoltaic system repairs in the Bay Area when you need them.
Looking for a Solar Roofing Contractor in the Bay Area?
For more information about solar roof systems or to find out about having such a system installed in your own home, contact Century Roof and Solar today.