Sustainability Beyond the Warranty: What happens to your solar kit after 30 years of production?

At Robinsun, we're excited to offer cutting-edge solar solutions, including the high-performance Aiko 445 W monofacial solar panels.These solar panels of the highest efficiency use the latest ABC technology and N-Type cells, and come with a 30-year production warranty. But what happens when this warranty period ends? Let's review Aiko solar panels’ performance until the end of their warranty period, their efficiency degradation, and the recycling process in Europe.

How does a solar panel’s production degrade during its 30 year warranty period?

All solar panels lose about 1% of efficiency in their first year, and from then on a fixed, lower percentage in every subsequent year. For our Aiko 445 Wp Full Black included in our Robinsun Performance plug-in solar kits it is 0,35% per year from year two until the end of year 30. This is the lowest degradation rate of any commercially available solar panel at the moment. At the end of the 30 year warranty period, our Aiko panels are guaranteed to still produce 88,5% of their original production. For you this means that over their lifespan your solar panels will produce more electricity. For the manufacturer, constant improvements of technology and solar panel robustness mean that they can extend the warranty periods they offer, increasing the value of their product over an ever longer lifetime.

Why higher efficiency and longer production warranties are important

The production of solar panels requires several precious metals and components. With the exponential growth of the solar industry, consumption of these scarce resources has skyrocketed. Data provider Bloomberg NEF regularly tracks the depletion of known stocks of these metals globally, trying to uncover potential risks for the solar industry to be left without the key components to assure an ongoing growth in solar panel production. The longer solar panels function, and the more electricity they generate throughout their lifespan, the more efficient use we can make of the scarce prime materials needed for their production.

For users of solar panels, be it at home or on an industrial or commercial scale, installing solar panels is an investment. To maximize its profitability, longer guaranteed runtimes and higher yearly production levels improve the payback dramatically. Our very first version of the Robinsun Performance kits used a Ja Solar 390 Wp panel, that at the time was the most efficient on the market. It had a 25 year production warranty, and guaranteed 84,8% output at the end of that time period. Compare that with the 30 year production warranty and 88,5% output at the end of that time, and you can clearly notice the improvement of performance between the two panels.

Efficiency considerations over time

Efficiency is a key factor in solar panel performance, determining how much sunlight is converted into usable electricity. Aiko solar panels are designed to start with a high-efficiency rating, leveraging advanced ABC technology and N-Type cells. Here is how these features contribute to sustained efficiency:

1. Advanced cell technology: The use of N-Type cells in Aiko solar panels offers several advantages, including lower susceptibility to light-induced degradation and higher performance in low-light conditions. This technology helps maintain a higher baseline efficiency over the solar panel's lifespan.
2. Durability and weather resistance: Aiko solar panels are engineered to withstand a wide range of  weather conditions, from high temperatures during summer time to extreme temperature under  heavy snowfall. This durability ensures that efficiency losses due to weather impact are minimized over time.
3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, help preserve the efficiency of your solar panels. Aiko solar panels are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, making it simpler for owners to keep their installations running at peak performance.
4. Technological advancements: As solar technology advances, components such as inverters and mounting systems also improve, which enhances overall system efficiency. Upgrading these components over time can help maximize the output of your solar panels even as they age.

The recycling process in Europe

The fact that the manufacturer’s production warranty has run out after 30 years does not mean that your solar panels will stop working the next day. It is totally possible that they keep producing steadily for much longer. And yet, should the day come that you need to dispose of your solar panels, responsible disposal and recycling of solar panels is crucial. In Europe, the recycling of solar panels is governed by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. This regulation ensures that end-of-life panels are handled in an environmentally friendly manner.

1. Recycling Guidelines: Contact your local environmental authorities for information on recycling services and collection points. These organizations provide guidance on how to safely dispose of solar panels at certified recycling facilities.
2. Material Recovery: The recycling process typically involves dismantling the solar panels and recovering valuable materials such as glass, aluminum, and silicon, which can be reused in manufacturing new panels or other products.

By recycling, we not only prevent harmful substances from polluting the environment but also contribute to a circular economy, promoting the reuse of materials and reducing the need for new raw materials.

Conclusion

Choosing our Robinsun Performance plugin solar kits means investing in high efficiency and sustainability. With a long lifespan and strong performance even after their warranty expires, these solar panels continue to deliver value. At Robinsun, we're committed to providing solar solutions of the highest quality and supporting environmentally friendly practices, including proper panel recycling. By choosing Aiko solar panels we are making sure all of our Robinsun plugin solar kits stay true to their mission to make the world a better place for as long as possible. Contact us via email, WhatsApp or call us if you have any questions or need help to choose your own Robinsun Performance plugin solar kit.