Lifetime of Solar Cells: Difference between revisions

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Peak sun hours are defined as the integrated number of kWhrs per day. [https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/peak-sun-hours-explained#:~:text=One%20peak%20sun%20hour%20%3D%201000,irradiance%20received%20by%20the%20location.]
Peak sun hours are defined as the integrated number of kWhrs per day. [https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/peak-sun-hours-explained#:~:text=One%20peak%20sun%20hour%20%3D%201000,irradiance%20received%20by%20the%20location.]


But, it appears peak sun hours are integrated over time - as daily avg in MO as an example is 5kwhr/m2/day.
But, it appears peak sun hours are integrated over time - as daily avg in MO as an example is 4.7 kwhr/m2/day. [https://www.turbinegenerator.org/solar/missouri/]

Revision as of 21:40, 12 August 2020

How long do solar panels last? Long.

25-30 years. [1]

But, it's really longer. At 0.8% annuaul decrease, they drop to 80% of their capacity after 25 years.

That means, as long as the panels are not physically damaged - they continue producing useful electricity for decades after.

Since 2012, panels have 0.5% annual efficiency drop. [2]

Thus, after 50 years, they are still 75% of their original efficiency! This is as close to lifetime design as it gets.

Manufacturing energy payback time is about 6 months. [3]

Panels installed in the 80's are still operational - [4]

Peak sun hours are defined as the integrated number of kWhrs per day. [5]

But, it appears peak sun hours are integrated over time - as daily avg in MO as an example is 4.7 kwhr/m2/day. [6]