Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80% of original output at the end of that period. The panels themselves often continue generating well beyond 30 years.
Maintenance is straightforward — Occasional cleaning to remove dirt, leaves, bird droppings, or snow, and annual inspections to check connections, mounting, and output levels. We offer maintenance packages that cover all of this.
Inverters — The inverter is the component most likely to need replacement during the system's lifetime. String inverters typically last 10-15 years and cost £500-£1,000 to replace. Microinverters (which we fit on shaded or complex roofs) often come with 25-year warranties matching the panels.
Scottish weather — Our climate is actually kind to solar panels. The cooler temperatures improve efficiency, and rain helps keep panels clean naturally. The panels we install — JA Solar, Canadian Solar, Jinko, Trina — are all tested for harsh conditions including high wind loads and heavy snow.
Mackie Electrical Services maintains systems we installed over 20 years ago. We are still here if you need us.