If you’re investing in a solar system, you’re probably wondering about how long it will last. The warranty periods for solar components are all different. When will you need to replace an inverter?
At Penrith Solar Centre, we’re committed to getting Australia to Net Zero by 2050, and in that spirit, we’re here to teach you everything related to solar systems. A knowledgeable customer eventually becomes a happy customer who is changing the world through renewable energy (and saving money too).
In this article, you will learn:
- How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- What is the Lifespan of a String Inverter?
- What is the Lifespan of a Microinverter?
- What is the Lifespan of a Powerwall 3?
- Weather and Environmental Impact
- Maintenance: Extending the Lifespan of Solar Systems
By the end of this article, you’ll have a general understanding of how the warranty periods of microinverters, string inverters, and Powerwall 3 affect the cost of your system. Onwards!
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- Solar panels are the crown of every solar system. Most solar panels are warranted 25 years for product and 30 years for performance.
- However, solar panels don’t operate at peak performance forever. Over time, they degrade, losing efficiency. On average, a high-quality solar panel will degrade by about 0.5% to 1% each year. This means that after 30 years, a panel operating at 85-90% efficiency is typical.
- Weather and sunlight exposure are major factors affecting how quickly a panel degrades. Panels in extremely hot or very cold climates may wear out faster as the physical materials expand and contract against the elements.
- Debris and dirt build-up can also reduce panel efficiency, which is why regular cleaning is essential. To maintain performance, it’s recommended to clean your panels annually, especially in areas with high dust or pollution.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the process of choosing components for your solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, How to Shop for a Solar System.
What is the Lifespan of a String Inverter?
- A string inverter is a component of your solar system. It’s mounted on the side of the house in a central location.
- It converts direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by your home.
- Solar panels are connected in series (a string) to a single inverter. They work like a “string” of Christmas lights. The performance of each panel affects the others. When one panel underperforms, the other panels all drop to match that panel’s output.
- String inverters are typically warranted for 5 – 10 years. Some solar customers can stretch the lifespan to 15 years, but those are exceptions that prove the rule.
- This means string inverters may need to be replaced twice during the lifespan of the solar panels.
- Whatever the cost of your string inverter should be tripled and included in the price.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters compare to string inverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Microinverters vs. String Inverters: A Transparent Comparison.
What is the Lifespan of a Microinverter?
- A microinverter is a small device mounted underneath each solar panel in a solar system.
- It converts the DC power to AC power immediately. As soon as it’s harvested, it starts converting that power.
- Unlike string inverters that manage multiple panels at once, each microinverter works independently for each solar panel. This means that if one panel underperforms (due to shading or damage), the others will continue generating electricity at their full potential.
- Microinverters are warranted for 25 years.
- This means that microinverters potentially need to be replaced once during the lifespan of the solar panels. Honestly, though, Enphase claims that they’ll last much longer than 30 years. So they probably won’t need replacing before your solar panels wear out.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Myths & Misconceptions About Solar Microinverters.
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What is the Lifespan of a Powerwall 3?
- The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a new solar system disguised as a battery. It’s a battery/hybrid inverter combination that can be installed as an AC or DC-coupled battery and system.
- The Powerwall 3 supports up to 20kW of solar, which is a lot of panels. The solar input actually bypasses the hybrid inverter when it’s charging from the solar on the roof creating greater charging efficiencies. The hybrid inverter changes the DC power in the battery to AC power for the home to use.
- When panels experience things like shading or different orientations, Powerwall 3 adjusts and optimises the power output to achieve the best possible performance across three strings of solar panel arrays. When one array drops in efficiency due to shading or some other obstruction, the other two won’t be affected.
- Powerwall 3 is warranted for 10 years. Because the inverter is enclosed with the battery, the whole system is warranted, not the individual components.
- This means that Powerwall 3 will need to be replaced twice over the lifespan of solar panels. The price of the Powerwall 3 unit alone should be tripled when calculating the cost of battery + hybrid inverter.
Please Note: Because the Powerwall 3 is a battery as well as an inverter, the value is different from an inverter alone. It’s two components in one, but the battery will work with your system to offer far more energy independence than a solar system working alone. So while it will need to be replaced, the value is different from the other systems. Please keep this in mind.
If you’d like to learn more about Tesla products, we recommend you check out the following article titled, Tesla Powerwall 3 Review: An In-Depth Look at Tesla’s New Solar Battery.
Long-Term Value: Lifespan vs. Cost
While microinverters have higher upfront costs than string inverters, their longer lifespan (up to 25 years) and lower maintenance requirements provide great long-term value. You’re less likely to face system downtime or costly replacements, which means greater savings over the lifespan of your system.
String inverters, with their shorter lifespan, offer a lower initial price but may cost more in the long run due to the need for replacement every 5 to 10 years. The upfront savings may be appealing, but it’s important to factor in the additional costs of replacement and potential downtime.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 balances its higher price with the ability to store energy and provide backup power, which is particularly valuable in areas with frequent power outages or high energy costs. It’s a strong option for homeowners looking for energy independence and long-term savings. But it will need to be replaced and the cost of that can’t be ignored.
If you’d like to learn more about the price of a Powerwall 3, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Does a Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost?
Weather and Environmental Impact
The environment where your solar system is installed plays a significant role in the lifespan of its components. Extreme temperatures, strong winds, hailstorms, and snow can all impact solar panels, inverters, and batteries.
Solar panels are built to endure different climates, but continuous exposure to extreme heat or cold can speed up degradation. For instance, panels in extremely hot climates may degrade faster due to how heat affects the components.
Over time, this reduces their ability to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently. It’s a temperature coefficient, and every solar panel has one. Each degree the temperature increases, efficiency decreases by a fraction of a percent.
Similarly, wind damage can harm mounting systems, causing panels to shift out of place. In coastal areas, salt corrosion can also affect the performance of panels and inverters. Choosing high-quality materials can help prevent this issue.
Weather conditions can also impact inverters. String inverters, often installed outdoors, are more exposed to the elements, which can reduce their lifespan. Microinverters, mounted beneath each solar panel, are generally more protected from direct exposure, which helps them last longer.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how weather affects your solar panels, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Does The Weather Affect Your Solar Panels?
Maintenance: Extending the Lifespan of Solar Systems
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your solar system operates at peak performance for as long as possible. Cleaning the panels to remove dust, debris, and bird droppings can help maintain their efficiency. It’s recommended to clean your panels at least once a year, or more frequently if you live in a dusty area.
Monitoring software, like the Tesla app for Powerwall systems, can help you track energy production and detect early signs of performance issues. Identifying and addressing problems early can prevent more serious failures and costly repairs down the road.
Ensuring that your system is properly installed and maintained by qualified technicians can also reduce wear and tear on components. Professional inspections every few years can help spot potential issues, such as loose wiring or corrosion, that may otherwise go unnoticed.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the importance of a good installer for your solar (the most important component of any system, seriously), you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is Better?
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What Did the Wind Turbine Say to the Solar Panels About Renewable Energy? I’m a Big Fan.
- Replacing components adds up over the lifetime of your solar panels.
- Maintenance costs can vary, but regular upkeep can help extend the life of inverters.
- Consider both upfront costs and long-term expenses when choosing your solar system.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we install Enphase microinverter systems and Powerwall 3 systems. Both offer exceptional value for customers depending on your unique energy needs and goals. We’re here to help you through that selection process. It’s what we do.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about shopping for a solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Solar.
