Have you ever considered what makes a solar panel last, and remain efficient? That’s a big question when it comes to getting your money’s worth from a solar energy system. If you’re looking to get a solar energy system that will stand the test of time, you’ll need to look into the degradation rate of its panels, and not just its price. Remember, price is important when choosing solar panels, but if you choose to purchase cheaper panels to save some money, it might cost you in the long run. Find out what degradation is and how it will affect your solar energy system.
What Is Degradation?
When we talk about the degradation rate of solar panels, we mean the amount that the power output of the panels decreases over time. All solar panels degrade over time, with most degrading at about an average rate of 0.5% each year. But as with anything you purchase, it all depends on how much you pay for your solar panels. The cheaper the panel, generally the more it will degrade over time. It is important to know that losing a percentage of your power output can have a really big impact on your savings potential! The faster your panels degrade, even if they are only degrading by 1% a year, the more savings on your utility bills you’ll be missing out on.
How Does Degradation Happen?
Many factors can contribute to the degradation of solar panels. One way solar panel degradation happens is through microcracks that form in the silicon of the solar cells. These small cracks cause electrical connections to deteriorate, meaning there are fewer paths for the electrons from the sun to take, and thus less energy goes to your inverter and into your home or business. The climate, temperature, and materials used in manufacturing all play a role in the degradation rate of a solar panel, and how well it can hold up and continue to provide energy.
Finding the Best Solar Energy System
The best way to make sure that your solar panels perform at their best is to purchase them from a reputable company. And not only is it important to find well-made, durable solar panels, but it is also important to purchase a system with a great warranty. Go Solar Energy works with top-rated companies in the nation; that means we can find a solar panel system that has the lowest degradation rate possible, so you can continue to save the most amount possible on your electric bills for many years to come.
Reviewing all the different types of solar panels, how durable and efficient they are, and the warranties offered by different companies can take a very long time. Go Solar Energy makes the process easier for you. Give us a few minutes and we can compare all of the different types of solar panels for sale and how much each company charges for them. We’ll set you up with a local agent who will go over all available plans to help you find the solar energy system that best suits your needs and finances. To get started, enter your zip code on the homepage, or to speak directly to one of our agents call (888) 290-3112.