What kind of energy production should a commercial business owner expect from rooftop solar? We answered this question briefly in our recent interview with Colin Derhammer, Partner at JCD Solar Consulting (operating as Melink Solar Development), a leading expert in pre-construction solar development. With over 20 years of engineering experience, Colin offers valuable insights into the longevity of commercial solar panels. His expertise in the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of solar energy helps businesses optimize their investments. In his full-length Q&A in our blog which he guest-authored, How Long Do Commercial Solar Panels Last? A Q&A with Colin Derhammer, he discusses the factors affecting the lifespan of solar panels and shares expert tips for ensuring your commercial solar array performs at its best for years. Find out more below, including a few excerpts from our conversation with Colin.
What factors influence the lifespan of commercial solar panels?
The lifespan of solar panels is influenced by several key factors. Manufacturing quality plays a crucial role, with premium materials and construction enhancing durability. Maintenance practices are essential to proper care of your panels, so regular cleaning and inspections can help prevent performance issues, especially during changes related to weather conditions or climate. You should also consider installation quality to ensure optimal performance of your solar energy system. Lastly, environmental factors like UV exposure and coastal conditions can impact longevity. In our interview, Colin shared his thoughts:
Colin: Environmental factors generally impact PV modules. Dirt and debris can cause premature soiling, and without proper maintenance, they can reduce the output of your solar array. Proper installation is key, so you want a reputable company to install your array.
(Editor’s note: Catalyst Power-owned systems are installed, operated , and maintained at our cost.)
Are performance warranties a part of the production of rooftop solar panels?
Yes. They are an integral part of rooftop solar panel production and are offered by most solar panel manufacturers to guarantee quality performance. Performance warranties (in addition to product warranties) ensure that your solar panels maintain a certain level of efficiency and power output over time, considering the natural degradation of panels that occurs over an extended period.
Does panel quality or construction impact longevity?
Certainly! High-quality solar panels with premium materials and construction tend to stretch the lifespan of your solar panels. Here’s what Colin had to say below:
Colin: Absolutely; we advise using only Tier 1 modules, which are considered to be the most reliable and highest quality. Highly bankable manufacturers make these modules; they have typically been around for several years and use reliable, automated manufacturing techniques.
(Editor's note: Tier 1 solar panels are modules manufactured by companies that meet specific criteria set by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. These modules typically use high-grade silicon and advanced manufacturing processes, which can result in better performance and longevity. Tier 1 manufacturers generally offer better warranty support and are more likely to honor their product warranties compared to other manufacturers.)
What options are available if solar panels underperform?
Technically, cleaning your panels and removing any objects that cast a shadow on your system can significantly improve performance. However, if you find that the problem is a little deeper than that, inspect the wiring, reposition the panels, upgrade any aging components, or replace the panel entirely.
(Editor's note: We answered this question in our comprehensive toolkit for business owners here.)
What is the expected efficiency of solar panels after 10, 20, or 30 years? In other words, will my panels generate the same amount of energy 10 or 20 years from now?
Colin answered this question directly for us:
Colin: After 10 years, most bankable modules will generate 92-95% of their rated output; after 30 years, this number would be about 85%-87%. In other words, a 500W module could still generate up to 475W after 10 years and 435W after 30 years.
Looking Ahead?
Understanding the expected production from commercial solar systems is crucial for maximizing your investment and achieving sustainability goals. By considering factors like lifetime efficiency, module types, and environmental influences, you can make informed decisions that align with your energy needs. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of our Connected Microgrid® solution for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Energy Experts. We’re here to help you understand the advantages of fixed-rate, on-site solar generation and ensure you maximize your energy production to keep things running smoothly.
