Why Solar Panels Degrades Over Time: Causes, Myths, and Facts
For Australian homeowners, solar energy is one of the best long-term investments. But a lot of consumers are still worried about one constant question: why solar panels degrades over time, and does it effect savings? The quick answer is Yes, solar panels do wear out, but not in the terrible sense that most people believe.
This in-depth guide will explain the true reasons why solar panels degrades, correct common misunderstandings, and provide facts that are backed by industry statistics and professional experience. You will also learn how Electrical Masters‘ skilled installation and premium components can drastically cut down maintenance costs and give you the best return on your investment.
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What Is Solar Panel Degradation?
The term “solar panel degradation” describes to how a panel’s potential to generate power gradually decreases down over time. It’s typical for any solar panel to lose part of its performance as it gets older.
High-quality solar panels lose 0.3% to 0.8% of their power every year on average. This suggests that a system which is installed correctly can still work at 85–90% efficiency after 25 years.
understanding why solar panels degrades helps homeowners make smart choices and stay away from cheap systems that break down quickly.
Why Solar Panels Degrades Naturally Over Time
One of the most important facts to understand is that solar panel degradation is inevitable, but it is also predictable and manageable.
The main reasons solar panels degrade naturally include:
- Continuous exposure to sunlight (UV radiation)
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Normal wear of electrical components
Even with these factors, premium solar panels installed by Electrical Masters are designed to last decades while delivering consistent savings.
Key Causes: Why Solar Panels Degrades Faster in Some Systems
1. UV Radiation and Sun Exposure
Solar panels stay in the sunlight for many years. UV rays progressively destroy the panel’s protective coatings and silicon cells over time. This is one of the main reasons why solar panels degrades, while improved panels are built to resist UV damage far better than older models.
2. Heat and Temperature Fluctuations
If panels have no ability to handle high temperatures, Australia’s hot weather might speed up their breakdown. When things get too hot, they expand and compress, which puts micro-stress on solar cells.
Electrical Masters primarily puts up panels with high temperature parameters, which means they work best even in very hot summers.
3. Micro-Cracks in Solar Cells
Micro-cracks are tiny fractures in solar cells caused by:
- Poor transportation
- Low-quality manufacturing
- Incorrect installation
These cracks can slowly reduce energy output and are a hidden reason why solar panels degrades prematurely in cheaply installed systems.
Environmental Factors That Impact Solar Panel Performance
Weather Conditions
Rain, hail, wind, and storms all affect solar panels. While quality panels are tested for harsh conditions, repeated stress can still contribute to gradual degradation.
Coastal and Dusty Areas
Salt corrosion affects homes near the ocean, while dusty areas get dirty on the surface. If panels aren’t cleaned and taken care of correctly, both of these things might lower production. This is another reason why solar panels degrades faster in some places.
Installation Quality: The Biggest Factor Most People Ignore
Many homeowners blame the panels themselves, but in reality, poor installation is one of the top reasons why solar panels degrades early.
Common installation mistakes include:
- Incorrect panel angle
- Poor mounting structure
- Inadequate ventilation
- Faulty wiring and grounding
At Electrical Masters, all installations are handled by Clean Energy Council (SAA) accredited professionals, ensuring your system is built to last—not just to sell.
The Role of Low-Quality Components
Not all solar panels are created equal. Cheap panels often:
- Use inferior silicon
- Lack proper encapsulation
- Have weak frames and backsheets
These panels degrade faster, produce less power, and fail sooner. Choosing Tier-1 manufacturers through Electrical Masters dramatically reduces the risk of accelerated degradation.
This explains why solar panels degrades differently depending on brand and build quality.
Common Myths About Solar Panel Degradation
Myth 1: Solar Panels Stop Working After 10 Years
False. Most systems continue producing power well beyond 25 years.
Myth 2: Degradation Makes Solar Useless
Not true. Even with slight efficiency loss, solar panels still deliver massive savings.
Myth 3: All Panels Degrade at the Same Rate
Wrong. Panel quality, installation, and environment heavily influence degradation rates.
Understanding the truth behind why solar panels degrades helps homeowners avoid misinformation and fear-based sales tactics.
Proven Facts Backed by Industry Data
Here are the real facts:
- Most Tier-1 panels retain 85%+ efficiency after 25 years
- Degradation is already factored into savings calculations
- Modern panels degrade slower than older generations
- Professional installation reduces long-term performance loss
These facts show that degradation is not a deal-breaker—it’s a manageable factor when done right.
How to Reduce Solar Panel Degradation
While you can’t stop degradation completely, you can slow it down significantly.
Best Practices Include:
- Choosing premium panels
- Professional installation
- Regular inspections
- Occasional cleaning
- Proper system design
Electrical Masters follows best-in-class design and maintenance standards to protect your investment for decades.
Why Solar Panels Still Save Money Despite Degradation
Even with degradation, solar remains one of the highest ROI home upgrades in Australia.
Here’s why:
- Energy prices keep rising
- Solar offsets peak electricity costs
- Feed-in tariffs add extra savings
- Systems pay for themselves within years
This is why understanding why solar panels degrades should never stop you from going solar—it should simply guide smarter choices.
Why Homeowners Trust Electrical Masters
Electrical Masters is known for:
- SAA-accredited installers
- Tier-1 solar panels and inverters
- Transparent warranties
- Long-term performance focus
- Honest, education-first advice
Our systems are designed not just for today—but for reliable performance 20+ years into the future.
When Should You Worry About Degradation?
You should only be concerned if:
- Output drops sharply in early years
- Panels show physical damage
- Installation was done cheaply
- No performance monitoring is available
In such cases, Electrical Masters offers system health checks and performance audits to protect your savings.
Final Thoughts: Degradation Is Normal—Poor Choices Are Not
Understanding why solar panels degrades helps you tell the difference between facts and fears. Degradation is a normal process that can be handled, not a problem with solar technology.
When you buy solar panels from Electrical Masters, you’re not just getting solar panels; you’re also getting many years of clean energy, decreased operating costs, and piece of mind.
contact Electrical Masters immediately if you’re thinking about getting solar or are worried about how well your system works. They can help you make sure your solar investment lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Solar panels degrade due to UV exposure, heat, environmental stress, and natural material ageing. This process is slow and expected.
Yes. Most manufacturers provide a performance warranty guaranteeing output levels for 25 years.
A loss of 0.5% per year is considered normal for high-quality panels.
Maintenance can’t stop it completely, but it can significantly slow down performance loss.
Yes. Lower-quality materials and poor installation increase degradation rates.
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