How long do solar panels last and can you recycle them?

The good news is that solar panels last a long time, typically 30 years

If you’re researching the best solar panels for your home, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is how long they last. Knowing their lifespan helps you understand how many years of free electricity you can expect once the system has paid for itself.

The good news is that solar panels are built to last. Most modern systems have a lifespan of around 30 years, according to UK installer Glow Green, one of the key reasons the answer to “Are solar panels worth it?” is a clear yes.

Most panels are also backed by warranties of up to 25 years, giving homeowners long-term peace of mind — provided the system is properly maintained and the warranty conditions are met.

Get a quote for solar panels for your home

Use our comparison tool to get a range of free quotes for solar panels from leading installers across the UK.

What does a solar panel warranty cover?

The warranty for solar panels generally covers two key areas: manufacturing defects and performance guarantees.

The first is straightforward: if your panels stop working due to a manufacturing fault, they should be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.

Most solar panels are not manufactured in the UK, so these issues are typically handled through your installer or supplier, who will coordinate with the overseas manufacturer or importer to arrange any replacement.

The second part of the warranty – the performance guarantee – is equally important but often less understood. All solar panels degrade over time as exposure to the elements slowly reduces their ability to convert sunlight into electricity. The rate of degradation varies by brand and quality, but it’s usually around 0.5% efficiency loss per year.

That means after 25 to 30 years, most high-quality panels will still generate around 85–90% of their original output. If your panels’ output drops below the level promised in the warranty (for example, below 80% after 25 years), you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or compensation.

In short, a good warranty provides peace of mind that your investment will deliver reliable, long-term performance, even if your panels were made thousands of miles away.

How do I know if my solar panels have stopped working?

A noticeable drop in output is your best clue that all is not well, and you will see that in higher bills and lower payments for the power you sell to the grid. It is unlikely that power output will drop to zero because of faulty panels unless something has fallen on them. If your output collapses, your inverter or another key part of the system may be at fault.

What should I do with my solar panels after 30 years?

Probably nothing. You are likely to still get a decent amount of power from them and, so long as they are safely secured to your roof, they don’t need to be touched.

That being said, solar panel technology is improving year upon year, and after 30 years of development, you might find that far more power can be delivered for the same roof space, and it may be cost-effective to scrap them and replace them with new models. What’s more, the cost of solar panels in the UK may be less in the future than it is today.

Or, power could be a lot cheaper to buy from the grid, and new panels might make little sense. It is hard to peer that far into the future, other than knowing that you will still need electric power.

Either way, you will have had 30 years of use from them, if not longer. Solar panel efficiency has seen a dramatic rise since the technology’s inception, improving from about 6% in the 1950s to over 22% for the best commercial panels in 2025, with laboratory cells exceeding 47% efficiency. This tenfold increase in efficiency has been a key driver in making solar energy a mainstream, cost-effective renewable power source.

Can you recycle solar panels?

Authorities are keen that solar panels don’t end up in rubbish tips around the world (PA Archive)

Yes. Solar panels are covered under the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE regulations), even since Brexit. WEEE regulations mandate the recycling of certain types of electronic goods in the UK at the end of their life. Much of a solar panel is glass and aluminium, which are readily recyclable. The silicon, plastic and other metals can also largely be recycled.

In fact, the IEA reports that 80–95% of a solar panel's materials can be recovered and reused. However, recycled solar panels in the UK are unlikely to be turned into new panels because solar panels aren’t currently manufactured here. Most are made in China.

But the components can be made into other things like glass for cars. For more on how they’re recycled, read our profile of a UK entrepreneur who has made it her mission to recycle used solar panels.

Should I insure my panels?

Yes. The warranty covers you if the solar panels are defective or don’t deliver the power output you have been promised, but if a tree falls on them, the manufacturer will not cover their replacement.

Most home insurance policies now cover solar panels, so make sure to check that yours does too, and to tell your home insurer that you have them.

Q

What happens to solar panels after 10 years?

After around 10 years of use, most solar panels are still performing efficiently, typically operating at around 90% or more of their original output. High-quality panels degrade very slowly, losing only about 0.5% of efficiency per year on average. With proper maintenance, such as keeping panels clean and ensuring inverters are working correctly, you can expect them to keep generating reliable electricity well beyond the 10-year mark.

Q

What is the 20% rule for solar panels?

The “20% rule” refers to the point at which a solar panel has lost around 20% of its original efficiency, usually after 25 to 30 years of use. Panels are generally considered to have reached the end of their warranted life once they drop below 80% of their initial performance. Even then, they continue to produce power, just at a reduced rate, which is why many homeowners keep using them beyond their warranty period.

Q

What should I do with solar panels after 25 years?

After 25 years, your solar panels will likely still generate electricity, but at a lower efficiency. At this stage, you have three main options: keep them in service if they’re still performing well; upgrade to newer, more efficient models; or recycle them through an approved solar panel recycling scheme. In the UK, panels can be taken to specialist recycling centres where materials such as aluminium, glass and silicon are recovered and reused, reducing waste and environmental impact.