What is the lifetime of a PV module?

It can be said without any doubt that PV installations are an investment for years. Photovoltaic modules are long-lasting devices, made to ensure their reliable operation for several decades – even in extreme weather conditions. Manufacturers provide up to a 30-year warranty on the module’s power output and failure-free performance. Over time, however, each module slightly loses its efficiency. Depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and the manufacturing technology, the guaranteed efficiency loss is between 0.2 and 0.7% per year.

The long lifetime of PV modules can be demonstrated by an example from Germany. In the 1990s, our western neighbours launched the “1,000 roofs” programme to encourage Germans to switch to alternative sources of energy. 20 years later, scientists at the Chemnitz University of Technology tested the modules that were installed at that time. The performance of all installations significantly exceeded 80% of the initial capacity.

What is the lifetime of a PV module?

It can be said without any doubt that PV installations are an investment for years. Photovoltaic modules are long-lasting devices, made to ensure their reliable operation for several decades – even in extreme weather conditions. Manufacturers provide up to a 30-year warranty on the module’s power output and failure-free performance. Over time, however, each module slightly loses its efficiency. Depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and the manufacturing technology, the guaranteed efficiency loss is between 0.2 and 0.7% per year.

The long lifetime of PV modules can be demonstrated by an example from Germany. In the 1990s, our western neighbours launched the “1,000 roofs” programme to encourage Germans to switch to alternative sources of energy. 20 years later, scientists at the Chemnitz University of Technology tested the modules that were installed at that time. The performance of all installations significantly exceeded 80% of the initial capacity.