Solar panel degradation refers to the gradual decline in a panel’s efficiency to convert sunlight into electricity over time. Although all solar panels have some degradation, the rate at which they do so can vary greatly depending on the materials, construction, and technology used. Choosing panels with lower degradation rates can have a significant impact on the long-term energy production and financial savings of your solar system.
What Contributes to Degradation in Solar Panels?
- Advanced Materials and Construction: High-quality panels, such as REC Alpha Pure-RX and Q.CELLS Q.TRON M-G2 use advanced materials like heterojunction (HJT) cells that combine crystalline silicon with thin-film technology. This reduces common issues such as light-induced degradation (LID) and potential-induced degradation (PID), which are more prevalent in conventional panels.
- Durability and Structural Integrity: The construction quality, such as REC’s gapless cell layout and support bars, increases resilience to environmental stressors, minimizing micro-cracks and extending the lifespan of the panel. This higher build quality is integral in ensuring low degradation over time.
- Innovative Cell Connection Technology: Advanced connection techniques, such as REC’s solder-free cells, reduce the risk of micro-cracks and maintain electrical continuity. This helps sustain long-term performance even under challenging conditions.
Low Degradation Rates Can Save you Money
Degradation rates directly impact the amount of energy—and thus savings—a solar system can deliver over its lifespan. Here’s a comparison using a 10 kW system generating 13,000 kWh in its first year.
Note that these are not inflation-adjusted over the lifespan, and assume a flat $0.13 value. Actual savings / differences would be substantially higher.
| Degradation Rate | 25-Year Output | Total Savings at $0.13/kWh | Difference in Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Degradation (0.25% per year) | Produces approximately 298,675 kWh over 25 years, retaining about 92% of initial capacity. | $38,828 | N/A |
| Medium Degradation (0.5% per year) | Produces around 285,238 kWh over 25 years, retaining about 88.4% of initial capacity. | $37,081 | $1,747 less than low-degradation system |
| High Degradation (0.75% per year) | Generates roughly 266,065 kWh over 25 years, retaining about 82.5% of initial capacity. | $34,588 | $4,240 less than low-degradation system, $2,493 less than medium-degradation system |
Why Low Degradation Rates Matter
- Higher Energy Production: Low degradation rates ensure the system maintains a higher energy output for a longer period, maximizing renewable energy production.
- Greater Financial Return: With low-degradation panels, you’ll save more on your electricity bills over the life of the system, justifying the upfront investment in higher-quality panels.
- Enhanced Reliability: Panels have to withstand the elements better, and are often stronger, which in turn slows degredation.
Conclusion
Selecting solar panels with low degradation rates can significantly impact your financial returns and energy savings over time. Advanced technologies, such as those found in REC’s Alpha Pure-RX and Q CELLS panels, help ensure a more sustainable, efficient, and long-lasting solar system. By investing in higher-quality panels, you can maximize both the performance and the economic benefits of your solar installation over decades.
