How long a solar cell lasts?
2006-10-03 08:44:24 · 5 answers · asked by Anil S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Theoretically, forever; practically a very long time. Heating of solar cells over time can cause them to crack, and excessive high energy cosmic rays will degrade the junction causing eventual failure. The manufacturers will usually specify an MTBF, Mean Time Before Failure, and if you go to manufacturers web sites, they must publish the specs somewhere. They don't keep those things secret from engineers who want to design their cells into products...!
2006-10-03 09:21:34 · answer #1 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most manufacturers of standard photovoltaic panels give a 25 year warranty, some even 30 years or more.
when calculating return on investment on such projects, people generally use 25 years.
it seems likely that the actual life may be longer than even 30 years.
I'm talking Silicium (Si) cells.
2006-10-03 16:40:50 · answer #2 · answered by AntoineBachmann 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the product. First answer is good, my take on it is.
Read the manufacturer's guaranty, it should have at least that much life under any condition,,under improved condition it may last for ever.
I am using my calculators way past one year warranty.
2006-10-03 16:57:44 · answer #3 · answered by minootoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with respect to the life of sun
2006-10-04 06:09:31 · answer #4 · answered by kichu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
until the sun lives
2006-10-03 17:30:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋