Solar panels are the main component of a solar power plant; their share in the cost of solar power plants is about 80%. This is why their durability is key. At the moment, almost all manufacturers of solar panels claim that the service life of their products is at least 30 years. I will talk about how long solar panels can last and what factors affect their durability and performance in this article.
- Basic principles of operation of solar panels and their types
- The structure of solar panels and factors affecting their durability
- Operation time of solar panels: current statistics
- Examples of long-term successful operation of solar panels
- Practical tips for increasing the service life of solar panels
- Prospects for the use of solar panels
Basic principles of operation of solar panels and their types
A solar panel (also known as a solar battery or photovoltaic solar module) is made from two types of silicon wafers that have special impurities and, accordingly, different properties. The plates are connected to each other by conductive busbars. When sunlight hits the silicon wafers, DC electricity is generated, which is picked up by the busbars and sent to the output cables.
There are many types of solar panels and they are used in completely different fields of activity, both on earth and in space. Those that are more common for domestic and commercial applications are mainly monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
- Monocrystalline are panels based on photocells made from a specially grown monolithic silicon crystal. Visually, such plates of photocells made of monocrystalline silicon have a uniform structure of dark blue color. Monocrystalline elements and panels assembled from them have a higher efficiency.
- Polycrystalline are panels based on photocells made from recycled silicon crystals. Polycrystalline elements have a characteristic heterogeneous shade and pattern. They are cheaper in cost than monocrystalline ones, but they also have lower efficiency.
Both types of silicon photocells also differ in quality class, which is indicated by the “Grade” parameter. This is a very important parameter on which the efficiency and price of a solar panel depend:
- Grade A – the highest class with the highest efficiency, absence of chips, cracks and scratches. This class is also the most common.
- Grade B – the second grade, characterized by invisible microcracks, scratches, and partial defects. These elements age faster and have initially lower power performance.
- Grade C – low grade with low efficiency. Such products have noticeable defects, cracks, chips, etc. They are much cheaper than classes A and B, suitable for various tests, but not for constant use.
- Grade D – the lowest grade (rejection) with the lowest efficiency. These are broken elements, sometimes they are used to make low-power panels from scraps of silicon wafers. Such panels and solar cells are recycled into new silicon.
The structure of solar panels and factors affecting their durability
The solar panel has a multi-layer structure, including anti-glare film, tempered glass, first layer of EVA film, solar cells, second layer of EVA film, white protective film, aluminum frame, wires, and connection box.
Operation time of solar panels: current statistics
Typically, owners of solar stations think about changing solar panels only if they want to add power to an already installed facility.
Modern manufacturers of solar panels, the vast majority from China, provide a guarantee for solar panels of approximately 12-15 years, which truly confirms their durability. As a rule, the natural process of degradation of a solar panel by the power it produces is immediately specified, and it is also approximately the same for everyone.
Examples of long-term successful operation of solar panels
One of the first solar plants in Europe with a power of 10 kW, installed on the roof of the University of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), was put into operation in 1982. Naturally, after so many years it no longer gives the denomination for which it was designed.
Despite this, the station is still in operation and is used on a par with more modern facilities.
Of course, the quality of solar panels depends on the specific manufacturer, but technologies are rapidly developing and improving, so solar stations put into operation in our time can last even longer.
Practical tips for increasing the service life of solar panels
Maintenance does not affect the longevity of solar panels as much as manufacturing performance. However, there are several recommendations that can extend the service life.
When installing and during operation of solar panels, it is necessary to avoid their partial shading (when some part of the panel is in the light and some is in the shade). This may be caused by tree branches, bushes, improper location, leaves, dirt, etc.
Constant partial shading of a solar panel can negatively affect its lifespan due to the so-called “burn-in effect” caused by internal overheating. But, first of all, shading or pollution affects the generation of electricity, which will be generated to a lesser extent, that is, the efficiency will greatly decrease. If you regularly (once a year, and more often if necessary) inspect the panels, wash them with water, and remove shadows from nearby trees, then they will work for a long time and efficiently.
Protection from external influences
Most solar panels have an aluminum frame thickness of 35 mm, which provides fairly good rigidity and a high degree of snow (5400 Pa) and wind (2400 Pa) loads. Of course, there are cases when various natural disasters occur, but these are extremely rare phenomena.
Choosing a reliable supplier
Durability is mainly affected by the build quality of the solar cell, its sealing, the quality of soldering and the quality of the silicon cells from which the solar panel is made. Installation conditions certainly have an impact, since a solar panel damaged during installation or improperly installed can fail prematurely.
It is advisable to choose a supplier who has extensive experience in implementing solar energy projects. If the supplier has sufficient expertise, support, and a guarantee, then there will be no difficulties with him. It is much more convenient to seek support from a local supplier who can resolve any issues promptly than, for example, to wait for a response to a complaint if the product was ordered directly from China.
Prospects for the use of solar panels
Renewable solar energy is a very promising area, especially in the southern regions, where the sun shines often and the level of solar radiation is high.
Thus, according to the latest annual report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) on global energy prospects, more than $1 billion is spent every day on the implementation of solar energy in various areas. According to IEA forecasts, by 2050 the share of solar and wind energy in total global energy consumption will be 54-72%. These data indicate significant growth prospects for solar technology adoption around the world.
