Solar farms are getting more common with time. With more people realizing their importance and need in today’s context, it is replacing traditional methods.
Generally, an average solar farm would consist of several thousand solar panels and are mostly suitable for fulfilling the energy needs of a large area of population or industries.
They are also installed in large numbers by the government to ensure that the environmental and ecological future of the country can be secured.
If you own a solar farm or are planning to build one, you might be interested in considering how long can it last.
In this article, we will address your doubts regarding the same and also answer some accompanying questions.
What Are Solar Farms?
The concept of solar farms is not recent anymore. There are three types of solar farms: utility-scale, distributed generation, and microgrids.
They have been there for a few decades now and as an industry are showing a lot of potential for growth and sustainability.
Quite simply, they are nothing but a group of photovoltaic plates or panels that work to convert the energy received from the Sun into electricity, which can be utilized later.
As the name suggests, solar farms are generally built in a larger area, where there is an ample amount of land available.
The size of an average solar farm can vary from 1-2 acres to several hundred acres, depending on its use and power.
They are a great way to ensure a reduction in your carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable future. Let us look at more advantages of a solar farm.
How Long Do Solar Farms Last?
Although there is no straight answer to the question since it depends on numerous factors, generally an average Solar Farm can easily last for a few decades without needing to be replaced.
The determinants are factors like the maintenance of solar energy systems and the weather conditions, along with the compatibility of parts and components used.
Nevertheless, there are solar farms that can last as long as 30-40 years if used and maintained correctly.
The life cycle of a solar farm can heavily depend on natural disasters and climatic conditions, so you must look to get insurance if you can.
What Are the Advantages of a Solar Farm?
By installing a solar farm using good quality solar panels, you are not only helping make the future more environment-friendly and sustainable but also benefit yourself.
With the help of a clean and renewable energy source such as a solar energy system, you can cut down the greenhouse gases and carbon footprint by a considerable amount.
Moreover, you do not have to worry much about your electricity needs or maintenance as solar farms are designed to last at least for a few decades and barely need any maintenance for a few years.
The cost of installation may be high in the beginning, but the economic benefits of installing a solar farm are far more than the disadvantages.
How Efficient Are Solar Panels After 10 Years?
As mentioned above, the life cycle or lifespan of an average solar farm can vary from a few years to a few decades. Thus, the efficiency of solar panels varies accordingly as well.
It is pertinent to note that the efficiency would naturally decline over the years, especially from constant use and wear and tear.
The weather conditions might also affect the panels, including wind and rain which can shorten the lifespan.
But, if the quality of the solar panels you use is good enough and you have a larger warranty period, chances are your solar panels might still be in good condition after 10 years.
The output percentage might fall by 10-20%, but the solar panel system would still work optimally in most cases.
With improvements being made every year, you can expect the recently purchased solar panels to be in good condition even after 10 years.
Can Solar Panels Last for 50 Years?
Although it is possible for solar panels to last as long as 50 years, it is quite rare to find such occurrences due to the lowered output performance of most solar panels after a few decades.
You would need to purchase a good quality solar panel for it to last for nearly 50 years, and also ensure that they are not exposed to harsh climatic conditions or weather
With timely maintenance and proper installation, you can expect your solar panels to last long, even as much as 50 years for instance.
Even in such a condition, you might want to invest and replace the panels to ensure the performance is not compromised in any condition.
How to Ensure Your Solar Farms Last Longer?
There are numerous things you can do to ensure that your solar farm can last long and does not need replacement anytime soon.
Firstly, you can ensure that the solar farms receive timely maintenance and are being monitored regularly to figure out if anything is wrong with them.
By finding out the problems arising out of your solar farms within time, you can ensure that they can be fixed without getting any bigger.
Moreover, you must ensure at the outset that the solar farms are installed properly and that any damage to them by the weather or any other natural occurrence can be minimized.
You must also take the help of an expert in conducting inspections now and then so that you are sure about its optimal performance.
You can also give yourself some time to research before you go out and select a company for installing the solar farm.
Conclusion
Hence, solar farms can last for a good amount of time, depending on your use of it and how well you maintain it.
In any case, you should regularly monitor the solar panels and clean them occasionally so that they do not gather dust or any form of layering.
In the end, it is a good idea to install a solar farm as it helps the environment, society, and you!
