What Happens to Solar Panels After 25 Years?

Most solar panels in Singapore are designed to last at least 25 years, with manufacturers offering performance warranties that guarantee around 85% efficiency at the end of that period. This “end of life” stage doesn’t mean they suddenly stop producing electricity — think of it more like a seasoned athlete still in the game, just moving at a steadier pace.

In a country where electricity tariffs are among the highest in Asia — and solar energy is a key pillar of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 — knowing what happens after 25 years can help you make confident, long-term decisions. Whether you’re exploring solar for the first time or already own a system, here’s what to expect and how to keep your investment performing at its best.

Lifespan & Efficiency of Solar Panels in Singapore

High-quality solar panels can operate for 25 years or more with regular maintenance, but efficiency declines gradually. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), top-tier panels may degrade as slowly as 0.5% per year, still delivering strong output well beyond their warranty period.

At GetSolar, we add an extra layer of protection for all our Rent-to-Own (RTO) customers — if your system underperforms during the contract period, we’ll pay you back for the shortfall. This performance guarantee ensures you get the returns you were promised.

Why Solar Panel Efficiency Drops Over Time

Panel performance declines gradually due to a combination of natural material changes and environmental stress:

• Light-Induced Degradation (LID)
  ‍Minor efficiency loss in the first months of sunlight exposure.
• Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
  ‍Voltage leakage caused by humidity and high temperatures.
• Microcracks
  ‍Tiny fractures from thermal expansion and contraction.
• Weather & Corrosion
  ‍Prolonged exposure to rain, UV, and heat can damage protective layers.

Even at the 25-year mark, most panels still generate around 85% of their original output. Small fixes like inverter replacement or professional cleaning can restore performance without replacing the entire system.

Signs Your Solar Panels Are Ageing and How to Extend Their Life

Even with long performance warranties, solar panels naturally show signs of ageing over time. Knowing what to look for helps you plan repairs, replacements, or upgrades.

Common signs of ageing:

• Performance drop – Rising electricity bills despite similar usage could mean reduced panel efficiency.
• Physical changes – Cracks, discolouration, or delamination (when panel layers separate) can signal wear.
• Singapore-specific risks – Humidity and heavy rain can cause corrosion or water ingress, especially around electrical connections.

It’s also worth noting that inverters typically last 10–15 years, so they may need replacing before your panels do. For newer systems, these issues are rare early on but worth noting for the future. For older systems, catching them early can extend lifespan and delay costly replacements.

Options for Old or End-of-Life Solar Panels in Singapore

1. Reuse for Low-Demand Applications

At 70–80% efficiency, they can still power garden lighting, sheds, or off-grid equipment. Some community projects may also accept them for reuse.

2. Recycle Responsibly

The NEA’s e-waste programme is developing processes to recover aluminium frames, tempered glass, and silicon wafers. Monocrystalline panels can be broken down and recycled into new panels, recovering high-purity silicon and other valuable materials — supporting Singapore’s circular economy.

3. Repower Your System

Replace only the panels, keeping the racking and inverters (if still in good condition). This can give you more power output with fewer panels, at a lower cost than a full replacement.

With GetSolar, all Rent-to-Own customers enjoy not just manufacturer warranties, but also a performance payback guarantee — so if your system underperforms within the contract, we cover the shortfall. That way, you can invest with confidence knowing your solar system’s output is protected.

Planning Ahead for Long-Term Solar Performance

A little foresight can turn the 25-year mark into a smooth transition instead of a sudden cliff. Scheduling annual maintenance not only prolongs your panels’ lifespan but also helps catch small issues before they become costly.

Keep an eye on your system’s output — a drop in performance might just be a minor inverter fault or dirty panels, both far cheaper to fix than replacing the system.

And when it’s time to upgrade, our Rent-to-Own Solar Subscription lets you switch to high-efficiency models from $210/month, $0 upfront, with free maintenance for the full term — so your solar investment stays in peak shape without surprise costs.

Reaching the 25-year mark with your solar panels isn’t the end — it’s simply the start of their next chapter. You can keep using them, repurpose them for lighter loads, or upgrade to take advantage of the latest technology.

For new solar owners, it’s reassuring to know your panels can continue delivering strong performance for decades. For long-time owners, it’s empowering to have multiple options to extend their value — from repowering to recycling.

And when the time comes to upgrade, GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own plans make it simple, affordable, and worry-free — with maintenance and performance guarantees built in, so your solar investment stays in peak shape without surprises.