Solar Panels: Understanding Degradation and Why It Matters

Understand how degredation rates affect the long-term benefits of your solar system, and how low-degredation panels can yield more energy and more savings.

Virtue Solar, a premier solar installation company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, has published a comprehensive new blog post titled Solar Panels: Understanding Degradation and Why It Matters. This insightful article explores the critical concept of solar panel degradation, highlighting how gradual efficiency loss over time impacts both energy output and financial returns. It serves as an essential resource for both industry professionals and those considering solar investments.


In the post, Virtue Solar explains the causes of degradation, which typically results in a 0.5% to 1% annual efficiency loss for standard panels. The article goes in-depth into how high-quality panels, like those from REC and Maxeon, leverage advanced materials and technologies to minimize degradation, providing greater energy production and substantial long-term savings. Virtue Solar also examines how factors like build quality and advanced materials contribute to durability, ensuring that well-made panels perform effectively for decades.

Virtue Solar's blog further illustrates the financial benefits of choosing panels with lower degradation rates. With a 0.25% degradation rate, solar systems can achieve significantly higher cumulative energy output, translating into tangible savings over time. The article provides guidance on selecting reliable, high-performance panels that maximize return on investment and enhance system longevity.

To read the full article and learn more about solar panel degradation, visit the blog post on Virtue Solar's website. For additional information about Virtue Solar's dedication to providing top-tier solar solutions in Virginia, visit Virtue Solar's website.

Featured Product

MORNINGSTAR - ReadyEdge

MORNINGSTAR - ReadyEdge

The ReadyEdgeTM (RE-1) accessory is an intelligent system controlling and reporting device meant to make monitoring your solar energy system more transparent. Enabling access to LiveViewTM 2.0 and Morningstar Solar ConnectTM, ReadyEdge provides data from all compatible Morningstar devices in your system. It is designed to be paired with the three ReadyBlock options, up to six total, with the possibility to use multiple ReadyShunts and ReadyRelays. The ReadyEdge is compatible with select Morningstar products.