Quick Answer
It's generally more cost-effective and environmentally friendly to repair degraded solar panels, but replacement is recommended if more than 30% of the panels are affected or if they're approaching the end of their 25-year lifespan.
Assessing Degradation
When evaluating the condition of your solar panels, consider factors such as cracks, broken cells, and discoloration. Use a thermal imaging camera to detect hotspots, which can be indicative of degraded panels. A 10% decrease in efficiency can be expected for every 10% increase in temperature, making hotspot detection crucial.
Repair Options
For minor issues like cracked panels or broken cells, repair is a viable option. Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, but expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 per panel. For more extensive damage, replacement might be the better choice, especially if it’s a single panel. However, if multiple panels are affected, it’s often more cost-effective to repair or replace them in bulk.
Replacement Considerations
When deciding to replace solar panels, consider the total system cost, including labor, equipment, and potential rebates. For a typical residential solar system, replacement costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the type and quality of the panels. If the cost of replacement is more than 50% of the original system investment, it might be more beneficial to repair the existing panels or consider upgrading to newer, more efficient technology.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.