How Long Do Solar Panels Last in Texas?
Texas is a popular location for residential solar panels, thanks to the abundance of sunshine here in the Lone Star State, but just how long can you expect your solar panels to last in Texas?
Despite the fact that solar panels are a great investment, they will reach the end of their lifespan eventually and need to be repaired or replaced. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the different factors that affect the lifespan of solar panels and share a few tips to help you keep your solar panels in top shape for as long as possible. Let’s get started!
The Basics of Solar Panel Lifespan
Before we get into specifics, let’s go over the basics of solar panel lifespan. Solar panels are designed to last for about 25 to 30 years on average. After that, they will still continue to generate electricity, but you may notice a significant dip in efficiency.
Studies have shown that solar panels typically lose about 0.5% of their efficiency rate per year. This means that after 30 years, a solar panel can be expected to operate at around 85% efficiency.
Solar Panel Lifespan Factors in Texas
While the basics are an important place to start, the actual lifespan of your solar panels will vary depending on numerous location-based factors. So how long do solar panels last in Texas? Let’s take a closer look at what affects solar panel lifespan in the state of Texas, specifically.
1. Sunlight and Weather Conditions
Texas is known for its sunny weather and scorching summer heat. While the ample sunlight makes it the perfect place for solar panels, the extreme heat can also cause your solar panels to degrade faster than normal. If you live in Texas, expect your panels to lose efficiency at a rate slightly faster than the median 0.5% per year — meaning they will likely last on the lower end of the average 25-to-30-year range.
Investing in high-quality, durable solar panels is the best way to mitigate the adverse effects of living in a hot climate. It’s also especially important in hot areas like Texas to stay on top of regular inspections and routine maintenance. Regularly checking on the performance and physical condition of your solar panels ensures you’re able to address issues quickly and prolong their lifespan.
2. Dust and Debris
Texas isn’t just hot — for much of the year, it’s also dry and dusty, especially in rural areas. In this type of climate, dust and debris can easily build up on your solar panels over time and reduce their efficiency.
Routinely inspecting and cleaning your solar panels will ensure they continue to operate as efficiently as possible for their full 25-to-30-year lifespan.
3. Installation Quality
Besides environmental factors, the quality of your solar panels also plays a major role in deciding their lifespan. If your panels are made of poor-quality materials or are installed improperly, they could develop serious issues over time, such as leaks or loose connections that are known to reduce energy production efficiency.
Choosing a reputable solar panel installation service that comes highly recommended is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your home’s solar energy system.
4. Humidity and Corrosion
While Texas’s inland regions are generally dry, its coastal regions, like Houston, sometimes experience high humidity levels. The humidity combined with the salty ocean air often leads to corrosion in the electrical components and mounting hardware of residential solar energy systems.
Using corrosion-resistant materials and keeping up with regular inspections are typically the best ways to combat corrosion in humid areas.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Service
One of the surest ways to extend the lifespan of your solar panels is to make sure they’re installed correctly in the first place. This usually requires partnering with a top-quality solar panel provider to help you select the best solar panels for your home and install them efficiently. Here are some key variables you should consider when selecting a solar panel provider in Texas.
1. Material Quality
Choose a solar panel provider that invests in the best quality materials for their solar panels. It’s usually easy to tell a high-quality manufacturer from a poor one based on their track record of past projects and customer reviews.
2. Installer Experience
It’s also crucial to find a solar panel provider with plenty of experience installing residential solar panels that is fully certified in the state of Texas for residential solar panel installation. Solar installation is a complex electrical task that requires a trained technician to mount and connect the equipment — not a DIY job.
3. Warranty Coverage
It’s also a good idea to choose a solar panel installer that offers warranty coverage for all their products. The very best solar providers offer quality guarantees that cover the entire expected lifespan of your solar energy system, such as Texas Home Solar’s 25-year technology and workmanship quality guarantee.
Find Solar Panels that Last at Texas Home Solar
Solar panels are a great investment for almost any home or business in Texas. Not only do solar panels massively reduce your carbon footprint, but they also help you save money, and they can even increase the value of your property.
If you’re considering installing solar panels, one question on your mind is probably how long you can expect your solar panels to last. You can rest assured that correctly installed, high-quality solar panels could last 25 years or more. By regularly inspecting and cleaning your solar panels, you can make sure they function at peak capacity for their entire lifetime.
If you’re ready to switch to solar energy, or if you’ve spotted a problem with your current solar energy system, contact Texas Home Solar right away. We’re the only Dallas solar company that offers a 25-year guarantee on all our technology and workmanship. Get in touch today and find out for yourself why we’re so confident in the quality of our solar energy services!
