One of the best things about solar panels is how little maintenance they require. Unlike a furnace, air conditioner, or car, solar panels have no moving parts, require no fuel, and operate silently year after year with minimal attention. But homeowners rightfully want to know: how long do they actually last, what maintenance is needed, and what does the warranty cover?
This guide covers the full picture – from what to expect over 25+ years of ownership to what happens if something goes wrong.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
What Is the Lifespan of Solar Panels?
Modern solar panels are built to last 25–30+ years, and many will continue producing electricity well beyond that. The panels themselves are the most durable component of a solar system – they are solid-state semiconductor devices with no moving parts, sealed in tempered glass and aluminum frames designed to withstand decades of outdoor exposure.
The industry-standard product warranty is 25 years, but that does not mean panels stop working at year 25. It means the manufacturer guarantees a minimum level of performance for at least that long. Many panels continue producing useful electricity for 30–40+ years.
How Fast Do Solar Panels Degrade?
All solar panels lose a small amount of output over time, a process called degradation. Modern Tier-1 panels degrade at approximately 0.3–0.5% per year. Here is what that looks like over time:
| Year | Estimated Output (0.4%/year degradation) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~99.6% of rated output |
| Year 5 | ~98.0% |
| Year 10 | ~96.1% |
| Year 15 | ~94.2% |
| Year 20 | ~92.3% |
| Year 25 | ~90.5% |
After 25 years, your panels are still producing over 90% of their original output. This gradual decline is factored into every production estimate and savings projection Gold Path Solar provides – the numbers we quote you already account for degradation.
How Long Do Inverters Last?
While panels last 25–30+ years, inverters have a shorter – but still substantial – lifespan. The inverter type matters:
Microinverters
Microinverters (like those from Enphase, which Gold Path Solar installs) are attached to each individual panel. They typically carry 25-year warranties, matching the panel warranty. Because each panel operates independently, a single microinverter failure only affects one panel rather than the entire system.
String Inverters
String inverters are single, larger units that handle the output from multiple panels. They typically last 10–15 years and carry 10–12-year warranties. This means you will likely need one inverter replacement during the life of your solar system, at a cost of approximately $1,500–$3,000.
Gold Path Solar installs Enphase microinverters as standard equipment because the 25-year warranty eliminates the mid-life inverter replacement cost and because panel-level optimization maximizes production. This is an important equipment decision that directly affects your long-term ROI.
What Maintenance Do Solar Panels Require?
Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned?
In most cases, rain handles the cleaning. Solar panels are installed at an angle, and rainfall naturally washes away dust, pollen, and light debris. Studies show that dirty panels may lose 2–5% of production, but regular rain in Ohio, Kentucky, and South Carolina keeps panels reasonably clean without manual intervention.
That said, there are situations where cleaning may be beneficial:
- Extended dry periods (rare in Gold Path Solar’s markets but possible in late summer).
- Heavy pollen season – spring in the Ohio Valley and Southeast can coat panels in yellow pollen. A good rain usually clears it, but a gentle rinse with a garden hose can help if production drops noticeably.
- Bird droppings – concentrated droppings on a specific panel can reduce that panel’s output. A hose rinse or soft brush resolves this.
- Nearby construction or agricultural dust – temporary conditions that may warrant a cleaning.
Important: If you clean panels yourself, use only water and a soft brush or sponge. Never use abrasive materials, pressure washers, or chemical cleaners. Never walk on panels. If panels are difficult to access, hire a professional.
Do Solar Panels Need Regular Inspections?
Solar panels do not require scheduled maintenance visits the way an HVAC system does. However, a visual inspection once or twice a year is good practice – look for:
- Visible debris, excessive dirt, or bird nesting under panels
- Any visible damage to panels, racking, or wiring
- New tree growth that may be creating shading that was not present at installation
Most importantly, system monitoring is your first line of defense. Modern solar systems (including all Gold Path Solar installations) include real-time monitoring that tracks production at the panel level. If a panel or microinverter underperforms, the monitoring system alerts you before you would ever notice visually.
Do I Need to Remove Snow from Solar Panels?
Generally, no. Snow slides off angled panels on its own, often within a day as the dark panel surface absorbs heat. Light dustings melt quickly. Heavy accumulation may take longer but rarely justifies the safety risk of climbing on a roof.
Never use a metal rake, shovel, or sharp tool to clear snow from panels – you risk scratching the glass and voiding the warranty. If you want to speed up clearing, a soft foam snow rake designed for solar panels can be used from the ground on accessible installations.
For more on seasonal performance, see our guide to solar panels in clouds, rain, and snow.
[INSERT IMAGE: Solar panel monitoring dashboard screenshot showing panel-level production data]
Understanding Solar Panel Warranties
What Does a Solar Panel Warranty Cover?
A quality solar installation includes multiple layers of warranty protection:
| Warranty Type | What It Covers | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Product Warranty | Manufacturing defects in the panels themselves (materials, workmanship) | 25 years |
| Panel Performance Warranty | Guarantees minimum power output over time (e.g., at least 80–85% output at year 25) | 25–30 years |
| Inverter Warranty | Manufacturing defects and performance of the inverter(s) | 10–25 years (microinverters: 25 yrs; string: 10–12 yrs) |
| Workmanship/Installation Warranty | Installer’s guarantee on the quality of the installation work – wiring, mounting, connections | Varies (5–25 years depending on installer) |
| Roof Penetration Warranty | Guarantee that the roof mounting will not cause leaks | Varies (not all installers offer this – ask) |
Why the Workmanship Warranty Matters Most
Panel and inverter warranties are manufacturer-backed – if a panel fails, the manufacturer replaces it. But if the failure is caused by improper installation (bad wiring, poor mounting, inadequate weatherproofing), the manufacturer warranty may not cover it. The installer’s workmanship warranty fills this gap.
This is why who installs your system matters as much as what equipment they use. An installer that subcontracts to unknown third-party crews creates a gap in accountability – when something goes wrong, the sales company blames the installation company and vice versa.
Gold Path Solar uses in-house installation crews and stands behind every project with a comprehensive workmanship warranty, including a roof penetration warranty. Because we are an employee-owned company, every team member has a personal stake in the quality of their work. Learn more about our installation process and how to evaluate an installer’s warranty coverage.
Are Solar Panel Warranties Transferable?
Yes – manufacturer warranties (panel and inverter) typically transfer to the new homeowner when you sell your home. This is a significant selling point and contributes to the home value increase associated with solar. Workmanship warranty transferability varies by installer – ask before you sign.
What Happens If a Panel or Inverter Fails?
How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong?
System monitoring is the answer. Modern monitoring platforms (like Enphase Enlighten, which comes standard with Gold Path Solar installations) track production at the panel level and send alerts if a panel or microinverter underperforms. You will know about a problem before it has any meaningful impact on your savings.
What Happens If a Panel Needs Replacement?
If a panel fails under warranty, the manufacturer provides a replacement panel. The installer coordinates the swap. With microinverters, the rest of your system continues operating normally while the single panel is being addressed – there is no system-wide shutdown.
What Happens If an Inverter Fails?
With microinverters (25-year warranty), a failure is handled panel by panel – one microinverter replacement, with the rest of the system unaffected. With string inverters, a failure takes the entire string offline until the inverter is replaced. This is another reason Gold Path Solar standardizes on microinverters.
Long-Term Solar System Costs
After the initial purchase and installation, ongoing costs are minimal:
| Item | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Panel cleaning | $0 (rain) – $150 (professional cleaning) | Rarely needed; 1–2× per year if desired |
| Monitoring | $0 (included with Enphase) | Ongoing |
| String inverter replacement | $1,500 – $3,000 | Once at ~10–15 years (not applicable with microinverters) |
| Tree trimming | Varies | As needed if new growth creates shading |
| Insurance | Minimal increase to homeowner’s policy (or $0) | Annual |
With microinverters and Tier-1 panels (Gold Path Solar’s standard equipment), your total maintenance cost over 25 years can realistically be close to zero. This is a major contributor to solar’s excellent long-term ROI – see our solar ROI and savings guide for the full financial picture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Maintenance and Lifespan
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
No. Solar panels are one of the lowest-maintenance home improvements you can make. There are no moving parts, no filters to change, and no fluids to top off. Rain keeps panels clean in most environments, and system monitoring alerts you to any performance issues automatically.
How often should I clean my solar panels?
Most homeowners in Ohio, Kentucky, and South Carolina never need to manually clean their panels. Rain handles it. If you notice a production drop during extended dry weather or heavy pollen season, a gentle rinse with a garden hose is sufficient.
Can solar panels be damaged by hail?
Solar panels are tested to withstand 1-inch hail at 50+ mph. Tier-1 panels from manufacturers like Silfab and QCell meet or exceed these standards. Hail damage is rare and would be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
What happens to solar panels after 25 years?
They keep working. After 25 years, panels typically still produce 85–90%+ of their original output. The 25-year warranty is a performance guarantee, not a lifespan limit. Many systems will continue generating meaningful electricity for 30–40 years.
Do I need to replace my solar panels after 25 years?
Not necessarily. If your panels are still producing well (which they likely will be), there is no reason to replace them. You may choose to upgrade if dramatically more efficient panels become available, but it is not required.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover solar panels?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover solar panels as a permanent attachment to your home, similar to a new roof. Some insurers may adjust your coverage amount to reflect the added value. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage and whether any premium adjustment is needed.
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