What Happens to Solar Panels After 25 Years? The Lifecycle Explained

Many homeowners assume that solar panels “stop working” after 25 years.

In reality, the 25-year mark is simply the end of the performance warranty, not the end of the panel’s life.

How panels really age

Most quality solar panels degrade at around 0.3%–0.5% per year. After 25 years, they typically still produce 80–88% of their original output.

This means a 6 kWp system might still produce 5.1 kWp or more -  perfectly usable for decades.

Why panels last so long

• No moving parts
• High durability against UV, salt mist, wind, and heat
• Tempered glass that withstands hail and storms
• Strong aluminium frames
  

Modern panels (especially half-cut mono PERC or TOPCon) are even more robust than older generations.

What the warranties actually cover

Solar panels usually come with:

• 25 - 30 year performance warranty
• 12 - 25 year product warranty
  

Performance warranty guarantees output levels at year 25. The product warranty protects against manufacturing defects.

What happens after 25 years?

Panels don’t suddenly degrade. They simply continue declining at roughly the same rate. Many systems from the 1990s in Germany are still operating at >70% today.

Recycling & repowering options in Portugal

Portugal and the EU have established PV recycling programmes that recover:

• 90 - 95% of glass
• 95% of aluminium
• Up to 85% of silicon
  

Alternatively, you can repower: replace older panels with newer high-efficiency ones on the same rooftop structure.

If you need help removing and recycling your old panels.  Contact us here at Sol Viva and we will be happy to assist you.