Useful service life
Modern monocrystalline solar panels are warrantied for 25 years and routinely produce useful power for 30–35 years. Production declines gradually — typically about 0.4–0.5% per year — so a 25-year-old panel still produces around 85–90% of its original output.
What actually fails
Inverters wear out faster than panels. String inverters typically last 10–15 years; microinverters and optimizers usually carry 25-year warranties. Roof penetrations and conduit also need occasional inspection.
Maintenance
Solar panels are largely maintenance-free. Annual visual inspection, occasional cleaning in dusty areas, and monitoring production data is usually all that's required. SOLITO's monitoring app flags underperformance automatically.
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