Solar Panel Degradation Chart

P series solar panels are built with sunpower s unique shingled solar cells.

Solar panel degradation chart.

X series solar panels are perfect for space constrained projects while e series solar panels are a great all around solar panel choice. On average solar panels degrade at a rate of 1 each year. For many panels this is given as 2 to 3 in the first year and then 0 7 a year after that but it can be as low as 0 25 a year for some sunpower panels. These solar panels are best for large commercial projects.

However a study conducted by the national renewable energy laboratory nrel shows a more accurate picture of solar panel degradation. Over 25 years that adds up to a total of 6 96 meaning your panels will operate at 93 04 of their original capacity in 2045. The mean average degradation rate was 0 8 to 0 9. That s backed up by the solar panel manufacturer s warranty which guarantees 90 production in the first ten years and 80 by year 25 or 30.

A meta analysis of 11 000 solar power installations found that the median degradation rate was 0 5 to 0 6 meaning for every panel that declined more slowly another declined more quickly. For most tier 1 solar panels the degradation rate is 30 meaning that each year the panels performance is reduced by 30. Reported on block iv and v monocrystalline si systems deployed in florida and found degradation rates well below 1 year 32. They are available in a range of panels from 380 to 400 watts.