Despite what some people might tell you, renewable energy sources are exceptionally reliable. And, even better, green energy is also more affordable than it’s ever been. Solar power, in particular, is growing at an astounding rate as it becomes a feasible option for homeowners around the country. If you’re considering installing a solar system on your home, you might be wondering just how reliable this new energy source will be. Keep reading to learn more about the reliability of solar power, as well as the common causes of solar panel failure.
What’s the Average Reliability?
In 2017, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) took a look at 54,500 solar panel systems. These systems varied in age but were all installed between 2005 and 2015. NREL’s goal was to measure the failure rate of the solar panels to determine overall reliability.
Even though some of the systems in the study were over ten years old at the time, NREL reported a panel failure rate of only 0.05%--that’s just one out of every 10,000 panels. This study proves quite definitively that solar panels can be exceptionally reliable, even as they age.
Additionally, their efficiency remains reliable over the years. According to a more recent study conducted in 2020, 80% to 90% of all photovoltaic systems performed within 10% of their predicted production or better over a 5-year span. And only one system per 1,000 experienced module problems.
Common Causes of Failure
So when solar panels do fail, what typically causes this to happen? Most often, total panel failure only occurs when the equipment is faulty or has been damaged. This is why it’s important to purchase only reliable equipment for well-known manufacturers in the solar industry and ensure that equipment is properly installed to reduce the risk of damage.
Improper installation is another common cause of failure in a solar-powered system—not only in the panels but also in other parts of the system. Please always ensure your solar equipment is installed by a reliable expert.
Environmental Factors
While environmental factors won’t usually cause total failure of a panel or solar system (barring extreme weather that damages the panels), they do frequently impact the production levels of the panels. Factors like living in a cloudy climate, having trees or other structures that block the sun, having a north-facing roof, or a roof that’s flat or low-sloping, can all reduce your solar panel’s efficiency. Keep these factors in mind when determining if solar energy is suitable for your home.
If you purchase reliable equipment, like an SMA inverter and panels, and have them properly installed, your solar system will be a reliable power source for years to come.
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