Do RV solar panels degrade? Yes, RV solar panels degrade over time. However, the degradation is incredibly slow and you can expect your solar panels to last 25-30 years. A typical RV solar panel will lose just 0.5% of its production capacity each year. This makes them one of the best long-term upgrades you can add to your motorhome.
In this Article
- Do RV Solar Panels Lose Efficiency?
- What Are the Causes of Degradation?
- How Long Do They Last
- Maximizing Their Lifespan
- Recycling RV Solar Panels
Do RV Solar Panels Degrade Over Time?
Yes, RV solar panels lose efficiency very slowly over time. In fact, they have a degradation rate of just 0.5% of production, per year. That’s a very small figure. And, over 25 years of operation a panel will lose just 12% of its original solar production capacity. Pretty impressive!
They are an excellent long-term investment. And, you can expect them to be generating plenty of electricity 25 years down the road assuming you treat them with care and keep them in good condition. They are one of the most durable upgrades you can add to a motor home or camper van.
How Do Solar Panels Degrade Over Time?
Solar panels lose efficiency over time thanks to a combination of environmental and structural factors. The materials used to manufacture the panel naturally degrade over time. Among the key players that reduce the efficacy of an RV solar panel over time are poor installation, harsh weather, and chemical degradation, see below.
Poor Installation
Improper installation on an RV solar panel is one of the main causes of degradation and loss of efficiency. If the panels are mishandled during installation they can experience stress that causes microcracks in the panel surface. These tiny cracks allow moisture to seep into the panel and damage the electrical circuitry.
Additionally, if the electrical circuitry has not been installed correctly you can expect problems including a loss of efficiency and even an electrical fire. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing your solar panels. Even better, hire a professional electrician.
Weather Damage
Weather is another major contributor to the degradation of solar panels. Hail, ice, and snow can accumulate on the panel surface and cause microcracks. These cracks compromise the integrity of the panel and allow moisture to pass through the surface.
Once humidity and moisture get inside it can cause corrosion of metal contacts and other vital components. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of power the panel generates. And, can become a major issue over time.
Component Degradation
The semi-conductor cells used to convert solar energy to electrical energy are relatively stable. They tend to show very little degradation over time. However, the components that surround and protect the cells degrade more quickly and result in a gradual loss of power.
The backsheet and encapsulant materials used to surround and protect the solar cell tend to suffer gradual structural damage. Extended exposure to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations causes the encapsulant materials to degrade. Eventually, this can lead to moisture ingress into the semiconductor and a loss of efficiency.
Light Induced Degradation
Light induced degradation is a temporary loss of productivity that is found in new solar panels. It typically lasts a few days to a week before reverting to full efficiency. It is caused by the initial exposure of crystalline silicon solar cells to sunlight.
Most RV solar panels are made using crystalline silicon solar cells. And, when these panels are exposed to sunlight, they suffer an initial decline in performance. The degradation is a temporary phenomenon and they will return to full operation power in 3-7 days.
High Temperature Degradation
Temperature plays a key role in solar panel degradation. Particularly if you park your RV in a location that experiences intense heat. And, exposure to very high temperatures can lead to a decrease in efficiency. Especially over an extended period.
High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions and physical changes within solar cells that lead to gradual degradation. Thermal cycling between high and low temperatures can trigger solder bond failures, electrical issues, and microcracking in solar cells.
Potential Induced Degradation
Potential induced degradation occurs when components within the solar panel experience different voltages at the same time. For example, if the solar cells and the panel frame are experiencing an electrical potential difference.
It disrupts the electrical flow of the circuit and reduces the volume of electrical power the panel sends to the battery. Overall, it’s bad news for your RV solar set-up and will degrade the power of the system over time. Proper electrical grounding usually removes the issue.
UV Damage
Ultraviolet light is another contributor to degradation. Solar panels are exposed to sunlight. That’s their job. Absorb sunlight energy and convert it to electricity. However, sunlight also contains UV rays. And, these are damaging.
Over time, UV rays wear down the materials used to encapsulate the solar cells and can also cause surface defects on the face of the panel. This, very gradually, reduces power efficiency.
Accumulation of Dirt & Dust
Another key player in solar panels losing efficiency over time is the accumulation of dirt and dust. As dirt and grime gather on the surface of your RV solar panel you’ll suffer reduced light absorption. Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity.
When dirt and dust accumulate on the surface of the panels, they block the light and reduce the amount of electrical power the panel can generate. They can also act as an insulating layer that traps heat inside the panel. And, this can trigger high-temperature degradation as outlined above.
How Long Do RV Solar Panels Last?
RV solar panels last 25-30 years. And, most panels are sold with a generous 25-30 year warranty. That shows how confident manufacturers feel about their productivity and longevity.
However, we are finding that solar panels that have been in service for 25-30 years are still operating impressively and generating plenty of solar power. It turns out, they may have a much longer life expectancy. Let’s take a closer look.
An RV solar panel is expected to lose 0.5% production capacity each year. This represents the natural degradation of the panel’s ability to convert solar energy into electricity. It’s a very slow degradation process and great news for motorhome owners.
Over 25 years you can expect your solar panel to lose just 12% of its original operating capacity. So, it will be churning out 88% of the volume of electricity it did on day one when you first strapped it to the roof of your vehicle. That represents an excellent long-term return on investment.
How to Maximize Their Life Span
How do you maximize the lifespan of your RV solar panels? You can extend the life of your panels by taking some simple steps. Careful installation, safe positioning, and occasional maintenance will ensure you get the most from your solar panels. If you want them to operate at their best for as long as possible, follow these tips.
1: Careful Installation
One of the most common problems suffered by RV solar panels is poor installation. And, this is one of the leading causes of accelerated degradation. There are two factors at play here – mechanical damage and improper setup.
Make sure you handle the panels carefully when fixing them into place. Bumps and bending cause micro-cracks on the panel surface. And, this leads to water ingress. Bad news for the electrical components inside.
Secondly, make sure the panels are fitted as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care to follow the installation steps as provided in the user manual. Shortcuts and improper installation are leading causes of loss of efficiency.
2: Position Safely
The first tip to make sure you get the most from your RV solar panels is positioning. When you’re parked up, make sure you stay clear of trees and objects that block direct sunlight. Overhead branches and leaves can fall onto the panel surface and cause lasting damage.
3: Clean Regularly
Always follow the instructions as specified by the manufacturer of your panels. These can be found in the installation instructions or user manual. In general, solar panels can be cleaned by hosing down with water and gently rubbing with a non-corrosive microfiber cloth. Never use corrosive solvents or abrasive materials.
4: Prevent Snow & Ice Build-Up
If you live in a cold climate you should take care to remove snow and ice that accumulate on the panel surface. Snow and ice can cause undercooling and this can cause microcracks in the panel surface. The easiest way to prevent this is to remove any snow and ice as it accumulates.
5: Regular Visual Inspection
Regular visual inspection will help you spot a problem early and deal with it before it becomes a major issue. Take a good look at the solar panel. Check for microcracks in the glass surface and any signs of water ingress.
Also, take a good look at the electronics and wiring. Are there any signs of damage or loose connections? Make sure everything is in good working order. And, if you spot any potential problems, take steps to remedy them ASAP.
Recycling Solar Panels
What happens when you’re solar panel reaches the end of its life cycle? Well, don’t throw it out. It can be recycled. Yes, that’s right. Solar panels contain valuable components that can be extracted and reused in new solar panels. So, don’t dump it in a landfill. Help protect the environment and take it down to your local recycling center. Let’s take a look at the materials that can be reused.
1: Glass
Almost all the glass in an RV solar panel can be extracted and recycled for other products. The front cover of almost all solar panels is made using tempered glass. This can be easily crushed, melted down, and used to make new glass products.
2: Aluminum
Most RV solar panels are mounted on an aluminum frame. Aluminum is lightweight and strong, ideal for use on a vehicle. The metal can be easily removed and repurposed for new products.
3: Copper
Copper is a valuable metal found in the wiring and electrical connections inside a panel. Just like aluminum, copper can be extracted and reused. It is a metal in high demand for electrical wiring and cable.
4: Silicon
The vast majority of silicon used to make an RV solar panel can be extracted and recycled. New processes are being developed to recover and purify the material. This silicon can be used in the manufacture of new panels, batteries, and electronic goods. It’s also a material in high demand in the electric vehicle industry.
5: Silver
Some RV solar panels contain small amounts of silver and other rare materials as conductive materials. Especially high-end models. Their small quantity makes them more difficult to retrieve. However, cost-effective methods are developed to make them easier to extract.
6: Plastics
RV solar panels typically contain polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) plastics. New methods of PET and EVA extraction have been developed that avoid the use of solvents that are harmful to the environment.
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About the Author
Richard Weber
Richard Weber is a renewable energy stalwart who landed here from the UK in the ’90s. With over 20 years in the renewable energy field, Richard boasts expertise in both solar and wind energy.
A sports enthusiast, his loyalty spans continents, following the English Premier League and the NFL – cheering for the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond the field of solar power, his interests include judo, running, and home improvement DIY.
When he’s not optimizing energy solutions, Richard spends quality time with his two kids, balancing work and family life.
