--- description: "What is Panel Degradation: It refers to the gradual decline in performance that occurs after using it for around 30–35 years." title: What is Panel Degradation? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JAN23-What-is-Solar-Panel-Degradation.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is Panel Degradation? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN23 What is Solar Panel Degradation](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JAN23-What-is-Solar-Panel-Degradation-1024x683.jpg "What is Panel Degradation?") Image by Hrant Khachatryan from Unsplash+ Panel degradation refers to the **gradual decline in the performance of the solar panel** that occurs as they are used, typically around 30-35 years, and even after that. Like other types of equipment, solar panels do not maintain 100% efficiency throughout their entire operational period. Instead, they experience a reduction in power output over time. This process is commonly referred to as panel degradation. This reduction in performance can vary based on factors such as the brand and quality of the panels. Panels with lower degradation rates tend to produce more energy over their lifespan, making them more desirable. It’s important to note that the production warranties offered by manufacturers typically account for this degradation, acknowledging that the panels will generate less power as they age. ### **What are the Factors Causing Panel Degradation?** **External Factors** [Panel degradation](https://energytheory.com/what-is-solar-panel-degradation/) is primarily caused by external factors like** overheating panels** and excessive temperature exposure. This gradually diminishes the panels’ power generation capabilities. Due to this panels produce less electricity from the same amount of sunlight. **Environmental conditions** play a significant role in solar panel degradation. Moist heat, humidity freeze, and [ultraviolet (UV) exposure]() are key factors contributing to the normal degradation process, all driven by natural causes. Prolonged exposure to high humidity and elevated temperatures, known as damp heat, can gradually degrade the insulating materials within the solar cells. Humidity freeze can impact the adhesion of the junction box, potentially leading to performance issues. **Internal Factors** One common cause of degradation is the **occurrence of micro-cracks** in the [silicon](https://energytheory.com/what-is-multicrystalline-silicon/) of the solar cells. These tiny fractures weaken the electrical connections within the panels, reducing the pathways available for electrons to travel. As a result, less energy reaches the inverter, which ultimately powers homes, businesses, or farms. **Recommended:** [What is PID (Potential Induced Degradation)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-pid-potential-induced-degradation/) Share. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F "Share on Facebook") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F&text=What%20is%20Panel%20Degradation%3F "Share on X (Twitter)") [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F06%2FJAN23-What-is-Solar-Panel-Degradation.jpg&description=What%20is%20Panel%20Degradation%3F "Share on Pinterest") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F&name=What%20is%20Panel%20Degradation%3F "Share on Tumblr") [Telegram](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F&title=What%20is%20Panel%20Degradation%3F "Share on Telegram") [Email](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20Panel%20Degradation%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-panel-degradation%2F "Share via Email") ![mm](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elliot1-150x150.jpg) [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/) Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-panel-degradation/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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