Solar Panels: lifespan, maintenance and replacement

Typical lifespan: 25–30 years (about 27 years).

Maintenance schedule

• Visual inspection for damage or debris — Every 6 months
• Clean panels (rain may suffice in some climates) — 1–2 times per year
• Monitor energy production via app/inverter — Monthly
• Professional inspection — Every 5 years
• Check inverter status lights — Monthly
• Trim trees shading panels — As needed

Signs it needs replacing

• Energy production dropped 20%+ from baseline
• Visible cracks or hot spots on panels
• Inverter errors or failures
• Physical damage from storms or debris
• Panels no longer under warranty and underperforming
• Delamination or yellowing of panel surface

Tips

Panels degrade ~0.5% per year. A 25-year-old system still produces ~87% of its original output.