A pioneering study raises alarm bells about solar panels: “An important message for the industry”

A Swiss study published in Chemistry World has found that solar panels start to age after around 30 years of use. The research also sheds light on how factors such as temperature, climate and even installation methods impact long-term durability, highlighting the crucial role of material quality.

What happens to solar panels over time?

“The bill of materials – everything that goes into a panel – has a huge influence on performance, even when made by the same company,” said Dirk Jordan, a solar energy expert at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, speaking to Chemistry World. “That’s an important message for the industry,” he added.

For many households, solar panels are considered one of the best home energy innovations, often cutting or even eliminating bills. On average they last between 25 and 30 years, though this research shows that well-built panels can keep generating savings even longer.

Looking ahead with solar panels

To conduct the study, scientists examined panels installed between 1987 and 1993. They found that those placed at lower altitudes degraded more quickly due to higher temperatures.

The use of solar panels helps offset polluting fuels burned to generate electricity. The World Health Organization has noted that burning these fuels produces contamination that affects nearly everyone on the planet, damaging both lungs and mental health.

The Swiss study concludes that the data gathered could support the design of improved models capable of producing large amounts of cleaner electricity well into the future.

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