It is well-known that there is a growing uptake of rooftop solar installations in Australia. That said, many are already reaping the benefits of their solar systems. The question now lies in what happens to your solar system after ten years?
As your system hits the 10-year mark, it’s important to ask: Is it still performing at its peak? Let’s find out here.
Your solar system’s efficiency over time
Solar panels lose efficiency gradually as they age. On average, panels degrade at a rate of about 0.5% to 1% per year. After 10 years, this can mean a 5-10% reduction in overall efficiency. In Australia, factors like intense sunlight, heat, and dust can accelerate this process.
However, most panels are designed to last 20-25 years with minimal impact on performance, as they’re built to withstand harsh conditions. Manufacturers typically offer warranties that guarantee at least 80% of the original performance for 25 years. This means, that even after 10 years, your panels should be producing a significant amount of power.
While the decline in efficiency is gradual, regular maintenance like cleaning can help mitigate some of the environmental effects, ensuring your system continues to run smoothly for years to come.
Potential maintenance and repairs
As your solar system approaches the 10-year mark, some maintenance and repairs may be necessary to keep it running efficiently. The most common issues involve the inverter, which typically has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. If your inverter fails or starts underperforming, it can affect the entire system’s output. Replacing or servicing and inverter is a relatively straightforward process, though it can be costly.
Solar panels themselves generally require minimal maintenance, but they do benefit from periodic cleaning to remove dust, debris, or bird droppings that can block sunlight. In areas with high dust accumulation, like parts of Australia, cleaning may be needed more frequently.
Checking for wear and tear on wiring, connectors, and mounts is essential as well. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause components to loosen or degrade, leading to inefficiencies or system failures. Regular professional inspections can identify and address these issues before they become more serious.
System degradation and output reduction
Over time, your solar system’s energy output will naturally decrease due to the degradation of solar panels. After 10 years, it’s typical to see 5-10% reduction in overall output. This decrease happens because the materials in the panels break down slightly with prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors.
While this may sound alarming, the 10% reduction in output doesn’t mean your system is ineffective. In most cases, your panels will still be producing a significant amount of power—however, not quite as much as when they were new. This can affect your long-term savings, especially if you’re relying on the maximum output for your energy needs.
One thing you can do to offset this is to upgrade certain components, such as the inverter or you can also add a solar battery to maximise your energy usage. Proper maintenance and cleaning can also help mitigate some of the environmental factors that contribute to output loss.
Even with reduced efficiency, your system can still be reliable and cost-effective, but only at a slightly lower capacity than when it was first installed.
Financial considerations
Once you reach the ten-year mark for your solar system, take the time to evaluate its financial performance. Usually, solar systems pay for themselves within 5 to 7 years through reduced energy bills. After 10 years, you’ve likely already recouped your initial investment, and now you’re seeing just savings. However, a slight drop in system output over time could impact the amount you save every year, especially if energy prices continue to rise.
Government incentives and rebates that were available when you first installed your system might no longer be applicable. This means your energy savings from the solar system become even more crucial in offsetting the cost of electricity from the grid. The good news is that solar electricity costs are generally lower than grid prices, even as your system ages, so you can still enjoy significant savings.
In the case that your system is significantly degraded, upgrading components like the inverter or adding battery storage could help boost efficiency and storage capacity, giving you even more control over your energy usage. However, this comes with upfront costs that may take a few more years to pay off.
Overall, after 10 years, your solar system should still deliver strong financial benefits, but you should consider the costs of any necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure continued savings and energy independence.
Tech advancements and upgrades
As solar technology continues to evolve, newer systems are often more efficient and feature advanced capabilities. While your system may still be functioning well after 10 years, you might find that there are more powerful and efficient options available on the market today.
For example, modern solar panels are more energy-dense, which means they can generate more power in the same amount of space. Brands like SunPower and Canadian Solar are known for their high-efficiency panels that deliver better performance over time than older models.
Inverters have also become more sophisticated with features like better energy monitoring and longer lifespans. Fronius and SolarEdge are leading brands in the inverter space, offering advanced models that come with enhanced performance, smart monitoring capabilities, and improved energy optimisation.
Another popular upgrade is the addition of battery storage. If you still don’t have it, adding a solar battery could boost your energy independence by letting you store excess energy you can use during cloudy days or at night. Sonnen and Tesla Powerwall provide high-quality energy storage solutions that integrate seamlessly with solar systems to maximise energy usage.
End of life disposal
When your solar system finally reaches the end of its effective life, disposal and recycling become important considerations. While they are durable, their materials degrade over time. Eventually, they will need to be replaced or disposed of properly.
The Australian PV Institute (APVI) has been working to establish better recycling practices for solar panels. Many components, such as glass, metal, and silicon, can now be recycled. Reclaim PV Recycling is among the leading companies focused on recycling old solar panels.
However, the process of recycling solar panels can be complex, and not all systems may be recyclable in the same way. That’s why it’s necessary that any disposal or recycling is done responsibly to minimise environmental impact. Keep in mind that as the demand for solar systems increases, so does the need for efficient and eco-friendly disposal options.
For those replacing old systems, there are other options besides disposal. Upgrading components like inverters or adding battery storage can give your system a new lease on life, potentially delaying the need for full replacement.
Should you keep your solar system after 10 years?
The decision to keep your solar system or replace it after 10 years comes down to a few factors: energy needs, system performance, and costs. By now, your system should have paid for itself through reduced energy bills, and while it may not be producing at its peak efficiency, it’s likely still delivering substantial savings. However, the real question is whether it’s still the best option for your energy needs moving forward.
If you notice a significant output reduction, it might be worth considering an upgrade or replacement of key components, such as the inverter or adding energy storage. These upgrades can improve the efficiency and longevity of your system, making it more effective for the next ten years or so.
On the other hand, if it’s still performing well and you’re satisfied with your energy savings, continuing with your current setup could be a cost-effective choice. Many homeowners find that with minimal maintenance, their solar panels continue to provide reliable energy well past the 10-year mark.
Also, consider evolving solar technologies as newer systems are more efficient, and battery storage options have improved. If you’re looking to maximise your energy independence and ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment, upgrading could provide long-term benefits.
After 10 years, your solar system is likely still delivering solid savings, though its efficiency may have decreased slightly. Whether you choose to maintain, upgrade, or replace components depends on your energy needs and financial goals. With the right upkeep and possible technological upgrades, your solar system can continue to serve you well for years to come, helping you save on energy costs while contributing to a sustainable future.
Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
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