If a company or organisation is spending thousands of pounds on renewable energy measures it’s right to expect products to last for a long time.
Solspan looks at the life expectancy of solar carports, solar panels, batteries and invertors and the kind of warranties you should be offered.
Half a century
Solspan’s solar carport structures are made from high grade aluminium, steel and wood chosen for their toughness and durability, with hidden drainage and cables, and last for more than 50 years.
This is far longer than any payback time for a carport installation which can range from between eight and 15 years.
While Solspan solar carports are very weather resistant, harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold combined with poor maintenance can shorten their lifespans.
Just like any other structure that’s neglected over time, not being cleaned or maintained regularly will affect how long it lasts for.
Therefore, it’s important to clean the solar carport and check for wear and tear regularly.
What about the solar panels?
Solar panels can degrade over time affecting their productivity.
However, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studied how solar panels deteriorate and found a 20-year-old panel which has a 0.5 per cent annual degradation rate is still capable of producing about 90 per cent of its original capability.
Life expectancy depends on their type. For example, monocrystalline panels last up to 40 years while polycrystalline panels usually last from 25 to 30 years.
The great advantage of solar panels is they can be easily removed and recycled at the end of their lifespan with new ones fitted to the existing carport structure.
What about inverters & batteries?
Inverters convert the DC electricity from solar panels to AC electricity and can be installed inside your building, in a separate contained area in your car park or depending on the carport, inside the post.
They will last from ten to fifteen years but really high-quality ones can carry on working efficiently for up to 25 years as long as they are regularly maintained.
Likewise commercial batteries will also last for between ten and fifteen years or longer with regular maintenance so will need to be replaced during the lifetime of the solar carport.
What guarantees are offered?
Reputable companies will always offer guarantees for solar carports.
These usually last for 25 years for the solar panels and 50 years or more for the carport depending on what it is made from.
Companies should also offer warranties on guaranteeing a certain level of productivity lasting 20 to 30 years taking into account a drop in production by a small percentage to reflect degradation of the cells.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to find out more to make an informed decision, our Solspan Discovery Reports can provide you with detailed information about expected carbon and financial savings and how much power a carport could provide.
The feasibility studies include a desktop report and an onside report which includes a survey of any potential sites.
Our experts are always more than happy to talk you through the various options.
