Degradation Rate Of Solar Panels

On average solar panels degrade at a rate of 1 each year.

Degradation rate of solar panels.

In 1977 the department of energy established the solar energy research institute in golden colorado. Reported on block iv and v monocrystalline si systems deployed in florida and found degradation rates well below 1 year 32. Sunpower s physics model when incorporating lab results from these accelerated tests predicts a system degradation rate of 0 17 per year 0 12 per year in a typical hot dry climate power plant application at 90 confidence. Panels in more moderate climates such as the northern united states had degradation rates as low as 0 2 per year.

That s backed up by the solar panel manufacturer s warranty which guarantees 90 production in the first ten years and 80 by year 25 or 30. Reliable and is expected to have an even lower degradation rate. Those panels could retain 96 of their production capabilities after 20 years. The different independent studies that tackled the question of solar modules degradation end up with an average of 0 8 per year.

With an average of 3 5 after 9 years the degradation of the 16 modules tested would translate into an annual degradation of less than 0 4 which would position aleo in the very good performers among its peers. On average today s solar panels have a 15 to 18 solar efficiency rate the best pvs have as high as a 22 conversion rate. Slightly different again but equal in terms of ranking criteria the panasonic hit also considers a 3 first year degradation while degrading at no more than an outstanding 0 2 per annum over 25 years. This represents the highest degradation environment.

In the years since this 2012 study was conducted more efficient technologies have been developed and many newer panels have just a 0 5 percent yearly decline in energy. The 3 first year degradation is quickly negated by the impressive 0 3 per annum degradation rate over 30 years. Panel companies are only comfortable offering this guarantee because of a 2012 nrel study photovoltaic degradation rates an analytical review that found solar panels degrade about 0 5 to 3 each year barring any equipment issues. Solar panel degradation rates are constantly improving as solar panel technology gets better over the years and degradation rates below 1 are common throughout the industry.

Solar site assessors use these rates. Degradation rates are used in solar site assessments in order to estimate the energy production over the life of a. So each solar panel would be tested based on its beginning.