Solar cell panels annual electrical output loss, Solar Efficiency Losses Over Time, Industry standard estimates vs real world experiences, Factor in cost recovery, Solar panel warranty
There is much discussion and information regarding the cost and cost recovery over time of installing and using solar panels.
One topic which is crucial in determining the true cost of ownership and cost revovery period is the annual degradation in electrical output of the solar panels.
There is a wide variance between what the industry standards and manufacturer claims are and the real world experiences.
Here is a good article on the subject.
From SRoeCo Solar.
“How much do solar panels decrease over time? The solar industry standard is a conservative estimate of 3% in the first year, and less than 1% per year after that. However, solar panel manufacturers are starting to realize that this is too conservative, and they are beginning to warranty their panels to more realistic degradation rates.
There are three points I want to make.
- Use the solar panel’s warranty to compare output loss over time because that is the only output you are guaranteed.
- Realistically expect less than a 3% decrease in output the first year, and about .5% decrease per year after that for most panels.
- One solar panel from 1979 was tested in 2010 (after 30 years) and its output was better than the original factory specs.
First, the industry standard for solar output warranties is 90% output in year 10, and 80% output in year 25. This is the 2011 warranty for companies such as JA Solar, First Solar, Yingli Solar, Canadian Solar, Sanyo, and Sharp. Right now there is not enough data to know reliable degradation rates after 20-25 years, so you must rely on manufacturer warranties in order to compare expected solar output losses over time.
Now, most solar panels won’t degrade this much. This is just want the manufacturers will guarantee. So, some manufacturers are starting to update their warranties to set themselves apart from the competition. Here is a list of the best warranties available from major solar panel manufacturers.”
Read more:
http://sroeco.com/solar/solar-efficiency-losses-over-time
About SRoeCo Solar.
“SRoeCo Solar (pronounced “es-row-koh”) is an independent, solar information website that provides objective, verifiable, solar information and seeks to present it in an easily-understandable way. It is committed to simplifying the solar installation process by providing solar knowledge, calculators, and a sortable, searchable solar panel comparison table.
SRoeCo Solar simplifies solar to help the average person feel more comfortable making an informed decision to install solar panels. More solar is better.
Sorry… as an independent company, SRoeCo Solar:
- does not sell panels, inverters, or other solar equipment
- is not affiliated with any solar manufacturers, installers, or suppliers
- does not recommend specific solar manufacturers, installers or suppliers
- provides all solar companies an equal opportunity to succeed”
Read more:
http://sroeco.com/solar/about/