What is the Lifespan of a Bifacial Solar Panel?

As solar power becomes more popular, the question on many homeowners and business owners’ minds is - how long does a bifacial solar panel last? Knowing how long bifacial panels last and what goes into their performance can help you make a smarter investment.

In this guide, we take a look at the average life of solar panels, how they degrade over time, maintenance tips for extending their lifespan, and signs your solar panels need to be replaced, so you make the most out of your solar system.

How Long Do Bifacial Solar Panels Last

A bifacial solar panel generally has a service life of 30 to 35 years. Due to the dual-glass solar module technology and materials advancements, use of these panels has a longer life span than that of traditional monofacial panels, which typically remain reliable for about 25 years.

The two-sided structure harnesses light from the front and back. This not only increases the power output but also minimizes the degradation of individual cells with time. Thus, bifacial panels will have higher energy generation and structural strength over their years in service.

But their lifespan varies according to installation configuration, climate, and maintenance routines.

Factors Affecting Lifespan of Bifacial Solar Modules

The durability and performance potential of bifacial PV modules are influenced by various environmental and operational parameters:

• Installation Surface Reflectivity: Project surface reflection (or albedo effect) directly affects backside energy. Such highly-reflective surfaces can improve the performance without putting any additional stress on the modules.
  

• Temperature Variations: Intense high temperature can affect the bifacial temperature coefficient with a small loss of efficiency.
  

• Soiling and Shading: Dust contamination or shading diminishes rear-side irradiance, causing an increase in module degradation.
  

• Material Quality: Panels made with TOPCon or Heterojunction (HJT) cells last longer and have a lower annual degradation rate.
  

• Install Type: Ground-mounted systems with optimized tilt and spacing tend to age better than tightly packed rooftop systems.
  

Bifacial Solar Panel Degradation Rate

Every year, each solar panel gradually loses some of its power generation, a phenomenon known as the degradation rate. For bifacial panels, it typically ranges from 0.3 percent to 0.45 percent a year, compared with about half a percentage point for monofacial modules.

This essentially means that 25 years down the road a bifacial panel might still be able to have outputs at around 87-90% of its original efficiency (I’d expect those numbers to vary depending on build quality and maintenance). Any number of panels from reputable brands like CW energy solar panels, as well as LONGi Solar should also have better encapsulation materials that minimize the rate of degradation.

Warranty Expectations for Bifacial Solar Panels

Most bifacial panels come with:

• Product Warranty: 10-15 years, material or workmanship defects
  

• Performance Warranty: 25 -30 years & at least 85 -90% of rated power output

This solar panel performance guarantee reflects the trust of the manufacturer about long-term efficiency and reliability. Check the LCOE and warranty to ensure you are getting as long a lifetime return as possible before buying.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Bifacial Solar Panel Life

To help your panels last their full life span, or even a bit longer, try following these straight-forward maintenance suggestions:

• Keep clean: Dust, dirt, leaves and other debris blocking sunlight. Wipe down panels with water and a non-abrasive cloth every few months.
  

• Look for cracks or discoloration, which show signs of breakdowns or micro-breaks.
  

• Track Energy Output: A solar monitoring device can help you to identify early degradation.
  

• No Physical Stress: Do not lean on or step on panels for maintenance.
  

• Professional Servicing: Make sure to have your technicians from reputable services like Direct Solar Power come check the systems at least once a year.

Careful maintenance reduces the power degradation through time, ensuring higher yields in the long-term.

Bifacial vs Monofacial Solar Panel Lifespan

When comparing bifacial vs monofacial solar panel lifespan, bifacial panels clearly take the lead. Their dual-glass encapsulation protects against moisture, corrosion, and mechanical stress far better than traditional single-sided designs.

While monofacial panels typically degrade faster due to UV and heat exposure on their rear side, bifacial models maintain performance longer because both sides are engineered for durability and efficiency.

This extended operational lifetime of PV modules not only ensures a lower levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) but also delivers better returns on investment over time.

When to Replace Bifacial Solar Panels

You should consider replacing your bifacial panels when:

• The energy output drops below 80% of the original rated capacity
  

• Visible damage, cracks, or moisture ingress appear on the module surface
  

• The inverter consistently reports underperformance or irregular voltage

Even after end-of-life, bifacial panels can be repurposed or sent for solar panel recycling, making them an eco-friendly long-term energy solution.

Invest Smart with Long-Lasting Bifacial Panels

The lifespan of a bifacial solar panel can easily surpass 30 years when installed and maintained properly. With their superior design, slower degradation rate, and strong warranty backing, these panels offer reliable, long-term power generation for homes and businesses.

If you’re looking to upgrade your energy system with durable, high-performance solar technology, explore the latest Bifacial Solar Panels from Direct Solar Power and start optimizing your solar investment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many years do bifacial solar panels typically last?

Most bifacial solar panels last between 30 and 35 years with proper care and maintenance.

2. What is the annual degradation rate for bifacial solar modules?

The annual degradation rate is typically 0.3-0.45%, meaning high efficiency even after decades of use.

3. Do bifacial solar panels last longer than monofacial panels?

Yes. Thanks to their dual-glass design and improved cell technology, they generally outperform monofacial panels in lifespan.

4. What factors shorten the lifespan of a bifacial solar panel?

Extreme weather, shading, poor installation angles, and lack of maintenance can reduce performance longevity.

5. When should I consider replacing bifacial solar panels?

Replace panels once performance drops below 80% of rated output or visible damage appears on the module surface.