Quick Answer
Solar panel efficiency decreases by around 0.5% to 1% every year due to natural degradation, with some models performing better than others. The efficiency loss accelerates in high-temperature environments. This degradation affects the overall performance and lifespan of the solar panel.
Factors Affecting Degradation
The rate of degradation varies between solar panel models, with crystalline silicon panels losing around 0.5% efficiency per year, while thin-film panels lose about 1% per year. Temperature also plays a significant role, with high temperatures above 25°C causing more rapid degradation. This is due to increased electron-hole recombination and reduced silicon crystal structure.
Examples of Degradation in Popular Models
For instance, the SunPower X-Series solar panel loses around 0.2% efficiency per year, while the Trina Solar Honey Badger loses 0.35% per year. The LG NeON 2 solar panel, on the other hand, loses 0.5% efficiency per year. These rates can vary depending on environmental conditions and panel quality.
Measuring and Mitigating Degradation
To measure degradation, solar panel owners can use tools like the Sandia National Laboratory’s PVWatts calculator, which estimates energy production based on panel performance and degradation rates. To mitigate degradation, solar panel owners can implement techniques such as cleaning the panels regularly, reducing temperature stress through proper mounting and shading, and using specialized coatings to reduce electron-hole recombination.
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