Solar panels installed in the early 1990s are still producing around 80% of their original power more than 30 years later – a powerful reminder that durability matters as much as efficiency. Studies from Switzerland and France show that well-built panels can far outlast their warranties, reducing waste, costs, and emissions. As the world enters the “terawatt age” of solar energy, these findings highlight that long-lasting materials are key to a truly sustainable energy future.

Old Solar Panels Built in the Early 1990s Are Still Going Strong After 30 Years at 80% Original Power — And That’s a Big Deal for Our Energy Future