How Long Your Solar Investment Will Last
One of the biggest benefits of solar is its longevity. A well-installed and properly maintained solar system can reliably produce energy for 25 to 30 years — or more.
Built to Last
Most solar panels come with a performance warranty (often for 20+ years), but that doesn’t mean they stop working after that. They typically continue producing electricity well beyond — just at slightly reduced efficiency. For example, a panel might produce ~85% of its original output after 25 years.
Inverters: The Workhorse with a Shorter Lifespan
While the panels themselves are long-lived, the inverter(s) — the device or devices that convert solar energy into usable electricity — usually have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on the type:
- String inverters may need replacing once during the system’s lifetime.
- Microinverters often come with 15–25 year warranties and tend to last longer, but can be more expensive to replace individually.
Mounting Hardware and Racking
Solar mounting systems are made from anodized aluminum and stainless steel — materials that are highly resistant to corrosion and weathering. These components are designed to last just as long as the panels themselves, and typically require little to no maintenance.
Maintenance and Performance Over Time
Solar is a low-maintenance technology, but regular checkups are still important. We recommend a professional service inspection every 5 years to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently. With proper monitoring — often included in your system — you’ll be able to track performance and catch small issues before they become big ones.
What Happens After 25 Years?
Even after the warranty period ends, your system doesn’t just shut down. Many solar panels continue working into their 30s or 40s — just with gradually declining output. By this point, your financial investment has paid off long ago through years of energy savings.
When it does come time to upgrade, recycling programs (like those supported by Ecotech and our partners) are already in place to responsibly handle end-of-life equipment.