How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Around 940 million people—13 percent of the world’s population—don’t have access to electricity. 87 percent of all people without electricity are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, usually in rural areas. One of the reasons why some regions don't have access to electricity is due to the rugged landscape, which makes it difficult to install the electricity grid.

Even when there is a grid, the capacity may not be enough to transmit electricity. Without electricity grid access, most rural communities rely on energy sources such as dry cell batteries, kerosene, diesel generators, and candles. Such energy sources are expensive, can be dangerous, and lead to environmental pollution. One solution for increasing access to electricity for those who don’t have it and reducing pollution at the same time involves turning to solar power.

Benefits of Solar Electricity

Electricity generated from solar power is beneficial in numerous ways, such as:

• Reducing air pollution - Solar panels create cleaner energy that doesn't contribute to air pollution
• Reducing electricity bills - Using solar energy costs significantly less than other forms of energy
• Low maintenance - Using solar energy doesn't require a lot of maintenance. You only have to make sure the solar panels are clean. Your solar panels will last longer when you clean them a few times a year
• Renewable energy source - Solar energy is renewable, which means that as long as there is a sun, energy will be accessible
• More efficient transportation - Solar energy requires less energy to be transported than other forms of energy

While using solar panels for your energy needs provides many benefits, there are several factors that affect how long solar panels last.

Factors That Affect How Long Solar Panels Last

How long your solar panel will last depends on the following factors:

• Weather
• Humidity
• Temperature changes
• Poor installation
• Lack of maintenance

So, how long do solar panels last, exactly?

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

The average lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years, but they can still produce high amounts of energy after that. There are three main types of solar panels: polycrystalline solar, monocrystalline solar, and thin-film solar.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels Lifespan

If you are looking to install solar panels on a budget, then polycrystalline is the best option. They are made of silicon solar cells. The polycrystalline solar panels last up to 25 years. Their efficiency drops after 25 years because of the electrical forces that separate their crystals.

Thin-Film Solar Panels Lifespan

The thin-film solar panels are commonly used in large-scale utility and industrial solar installations. The thin-film solar panels last from 10 to 20 years. 

Monocrystalline Solar Panels Lifespan

These are the most popular option for rooftop solar panel installation. Monocrystalline solar panels have been around for years and are the most developed type of solar panel. They are made from monocrystalline solar cells. They always appear black because sunlight interacts with the silicon. The monocrystalline solar panels can last between 25 to 50 years. They are made of one, central crystal which helps reduce the potential failure points. 

Electricity is instrumental to economies, livelihoods, and poverty reduction. With solar energy, it has become possible for rural communities to access electricity. This is why solar panels are such a critical tool for remote, developing communities without access to complex electrical grids.

The Elumis Foundation believes that no child should be left in the dark. Our goal is to use solar kits to bring light to families and children around the world who don’t have access to electricity. With the renewable power of the sun, we can change the lives of people all around the world, give them opportunities they wouldn’t have without access to electricity, and help our planet in the process. Find out how you can get involved and help us make a difference today!

About the Elumis Foundation

The Elumis Foundation is a certified non-profit organization that was created in 2018 by siblings Eva and Michael Sakellakis (ages 15 and 13), looking to make a difference. Their father, who has his own successful solar business Elumis, helped and inspired them to form the foundation. Together they formed a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This allows all donations to be tax-deductible by the donors. 100% of all donations received will fund the distribution of solar kits to be given to families who do not have electricity in impoverished areas of the world.

Elumis’ goal is to bring light to families and kids without that privilege through solar kits. These solar kits are powered through solar panels and can provide light and electricity for a family for up to 24 continuous hours. The Foundation has already made its first donation of 1000 solar kits in Vietnam and plans to distribute more kits to third-world countries throughout Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and India. Our goal is to distribute at least 100,000 kits to families in need.