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When diving into the world of solar energy, one critical detail that's often overlooked is the degradation rate of solar panels. It's a common misconception that solar panels fail due to their parts wearing out. In reality, solar panels are incredibly robust because they lack moving components that could malfunction. The only exceptions to this are extraordinary circumstances, such as natural events like a tree falling on them.
Solar panels, however, do experience a gradual decline in performance over time. This is a natural and expected process, where the panel's ability to convert sunlight into electricity diminishes slightly each year. When you're selecting a solar installation, it's essential to go with a reputable company that offers tier one panels. These panels are not just the highest quality available, but they also come with a reassuring 25-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The typical degradation rates for these tier one panels hover between 0.5% and 0.7% annually. To put this into perspective, after 25 years, which is the usual length of the warranty, your solar panels will still retain about 80 to 90 percent of their original capacity. This is an important figure to consider, as it gives you a clear indication of the long-term efficiency and reliability of your solar investment. By understanding the degradation rate, you can accurately estimate the production and value your solar panels will provide over their lifetime.