Most homeowners are pleasantly surprised to learn that solar panels are one of the longest-lasting products you can put on your home. In fact, many solar panels are still producing electricity 30, 35, even 40 years after installation.
That said, the real answer to “How long do solar panels last?” depends on a few important details—especially warranties, system design choices, and which components are most likely to need attention over time.
Let’s break it down.
The Short Answer
- Most solar panels last 25–35 years or longer
- 25 years is a warranty benchmark, not a hard expiration date
- Panels slowly lose output over time but usually continue producing useful energy well beyond their warranty period
Many homeowners will move, remodel, or upgrade long before their panels actually stop working.
Why Do Solar Panels Come With 25-Year Warranties?
A 25-year warranty is almost unheard of for consumer products—and that alone tells you a lot about how confident manufacturers are in modern solar technology.
But here’s where things get tricky:
👉 Every solar panel actually has three different warranties, and not all of them are created equal.
Understanding these warranties is critical.
The 3 Solar Panel Warranties You Need to Know
1. Performance (Output) Warranty – Usually 25 Years
This warranty guarantees that your panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original output over time.
Typical terms look like:
- ~98% after year 1
- ~85–90% after year 25
This accounts for normal degradation, which averages about 0.3%–0.5% per year for modern panels.
Key takeaway: Your panels are expected to keep working—just slightly less efficiently over time.
2. Product (Equipment) Warranty – Often 10–25 Years
This covers manufacturing defects like:
- Faulty frames
- Delamination
- Junction box failures
Some premium manufacturers now offer 25-year product warranties, while others still offer only 10–12 years.
Longer product warranties usually signal higher build quality.
3. Labor & Replacement Coverage – The Most Overlooked Detail
This is the warranty that surprises homeowners the most.
Many panel warranties:
- Cover the replacement panel
- But do NOT cover labor, shipping, removal, or reinstallation
That means:
- The panel might be “free”
- But you could still pay hundreds (or thousands) in labor costs
This is where homeowners can get tricked if they don’t read the fine print.
Pro tip: Installer workmanship warranties often matter more than the panel warranty itself.
Do Solar Panels Actually Fail?
Yes—but far less often than people expect.
Common Historical Failure Causes (Much Less Common Today)
- Micro-cracks in solar cells
- Poor solder joints between cells
- Early junction box failures
As solar manufacturing has matured and commoditized, these issues have become far less prevalent, especially from reputable manufacturers.
The Reality Today
- Solar panels have no moving parts
- They are designed to withstand hail, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures
- Panel failures are rare compared to other system components
In fact…
👉 Most home solar issues are NOT caused by the solar panels themselves.
What About Electronics on the Back of the Panel? (MLPE)
Many modern systems use Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) such as:
- Microinverters
- DC optimizers
These devices are mounted on or behind each panel, and they come with important tradeoffs.
The Tradeoff to Understand
You may have:
- A 25-year solar panel
- Paired with a 10–15 year electronics warranty
That means:
- The panel may outlast the electronics attached to it
- Electronics are more likely to need service or replacement over time
This doesn’t mean MLPE is bad—it often improves monitoring, safety, and performance—but it’s important to understand the mixed warranty timeline.
What Usually Needs Service in a Solar System?
Over a 25–30 year lifespan, the most common service items include:
- Inverters or microinverters
- Monitoring hardware
- Electrical connections
- Roof penetrations (rare, but possible)
Panels themselves are typically the last component to fail.
Can Solar Panels Last Beyond 25 Years?
Absolutely.
Many panels continue producing energy well past their warranty period. They don’t suddenly “turn off” at year 25—they simply continue degrading slowly.
For many homeowners, the system:
- Has already paid for itself
- Is producing nearly free electricity
- Can keep running with minimal maintenance
What Homeowners Are Really Asking When They Ask This Question
When someone asks “How long do solar panels last?” they’re often really asking:
- Will I get my money’s worth?
- Will this system still be working when I’m older?
- Am I buying something durable or disposable?
- Will I be stuck with expensive repairs later?
The good news: solar panels are one of the most durable home upgrades you can make—especially when paired with a reputable installer and clear warranty coverage.
Helpful Next Steps
- Learn how solar systems actually work in Solar 101: How Home Solar Works and Whether It’s Right for You
- Understand which components are most likely to need service in Home Solar Monitoring Not Working
- Compare long-term ownership tradeoffs in Solar Loans vs Leases vs PPAs
Bottom line:
Solar panels are built to last decades. Just make sure you understand the warranties, installer support, and electronics involved, not just the panel itself.