Published

3 months ago

June 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Undoubtedly, solar power is currently a leading choice for Australian homeowners and businesses seeking a rapid transition to renewable energy and clean sources to power their properties.

With the falling cost of technology, several government incentives, and growing concern about environmental sustainability, solar energy is becoming more accessible day by day.

But there’s a catch! It’s not only installing solar panels, integrating batteries, and forgetting about them. Understanding the lifespan and performance of your solar panels and battery system is key to enjoying uninterrupted, reliable power.

Just like any smart investment, your solar setup needs a little knowledge and care to deliver long-term benefits.

Knowing when to upgrade, maintain, or replace components can be the difference between a system that saves you thousands and one that silently underperforms.

So, as solar energy continues to rise in 2025, read this comprehensive blog to ensure you’re not just riding the wave but navigating it wisely.

In this blog post:

How Long Do Solar Panels Last in 2025? | Find Out!

Solar panel lifespan can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the panels, the manufacturer’s warranty, and Australia’s diverse weather conditions.

Even though manufacturers usually provide warranties that guarantee that panels will produce at least 80% of their rated power output after 25 years, many panels continue to operate well beyond their warranty period.

Average Lifespan and Efficiency of a Solar Panel

Modern solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years. With proper maintenance and care, some high-quality models, such as Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline panels, can also exceed this range.

Here’s a breakdown of the two most common solar panel types, Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline, in terms of lifespan and efficiency rating in 2025:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Lifespan: 25 to 30+ years

Efficiency Rating: 18% to 23%

Degradation Rate: approximately 0.3% to 0.5% per year

Key Features of Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

Made from a single crystal structure

Higher efficiency and performance in low light

Sleek black appearance

More expensive, but more space-efficient

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Lifespan: 25 to 28 years

Efficiency Rating: 15% to 17%

Degradation Rate: approximately 0.5% to 0.8% per year

Key Features of Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

Made from multiple silicon crystals

Slightly lower efficiency than monocrystalline

Typically, blue with a speckled look

More affordable option, requires more space

However, their efficiency gradually declines as the panels naturally degrade over time at a rate of 0.5% to 0.8% per year. This means that after 25 years, a panel may still operate at approximately 82% to 87% of its original capacity.

Therefore, choose quality products, ensure proper installation, and schedule regular maintenance to slow the degradation.

This ultimately guarantees that your system continues to deliver strong performance well into the future, making your investment worthwhile.

What Factors Affect Solar Panel Lifespan in Australia?

In Australia, several elements influence the longevity of solar panels. So, below, we’ve listed some of them to give you a better insight:

Quality of Materials
Premium panels like Jinko, Trina, or LONGi often use higher-grade materials that resist degradation better. They usually back these panels with performance warranties that guarantee a specified level of energy production over time.
Type of Solar Panel
Different solar panel types, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film, may exhibit varying degradation rates. Monocrystalline panels, for example, generally experience slower degradation than polycrystalline panels.
Installation Quality
Proper installation, appropriate mounting style, and secure wiring can ensure optimal panel orientation and minimize stress factors. Poorly installed panels may degrade faster due to exposure to moisture or mechanical faults.
Environment and Climate Conditions
Solar panels in hot and humid climates may degrade faster than those in cooler, drier regions. Therefore, environmental conditions like high temperature, humidity, pollution, and heavy rain impact degradation rates.
Maintenance Practices
Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent issues like dirt accumulation and microcracks.

Whether DIY or with the help of professionals, periodic solar panel maintenance helps increase efficiency and decrease early panel degradation.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many solar panel manufacturers offer performance warranties that ensure a specific level of energy production over a specific number of years. These warranties often cover a degradation rate below a certain threshold, such as 80% of the initial rated efficiency after 25 years.
Temperature Coefficient
Solar panels have a temperature coefficient, which indicates how their efficiency changes with temperature. Panels with a lower temperature coefficient tend to experience slower degradation in hot weather.
Inverter Efficiency
The inverter’s efficiency in your solar system affects panel performance. The efficient and best solar inverter maximizes energy harvest and reduces stress on the panels.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels?

So, how can individuals adopting solar systems ensure that their panels remain functional throughout their 25-year warranties and even longer?

Here are 3 practical tips to make your solar panel last longer:

Choose a Trustworthy Installer

Since these panels have been installed on your home for over two decades, conducting thorough research is crucial when selecting your installation provider. Finding a reputable installer is the most critical step in this process.

Monitor Your Energy Usage

While it may seem common sense, solar system owners must regularly check how much electricity their panels generate.

Many modern solar systems come with user-friendly monitoring tools or apps that provide real-time data and previous data usage history, making it easier to stay informed and maximize energy savings.

Keep Your Panels Clean and Dust Free

It is advisable to keep your panels clean. Different regions may experience various forms of build-up, including dirt, soil, or snow, which can reduce the panels’ efficiency.

Fortunately, cleaning the panels is a straightforward task that involves gently brushing off any debris with a broom. Just ensure not to apply excessive force that could break or damage them.

Overall, with proper maintenance and care, solar panels can provide reliable electricity generation for several decades in Australian weather conditions.

Let’s talk about Solar Battery Lifespan| What to Expect in 2025?

There’s no denying that solar batteries are true game changers in the world of renewable energy.

These powerful integrations elevate your solar experience by storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours and making it available when the sun goes down.

That means your home stays powered, even when your panels aren’t actively producing. However, that’s not all! Beyond solving the problem of solar’s intermittency, solar batteries also play a crucial role in reducing your carbon footprint.

They maximize the use of clean, stored energy so that you rely less on the grid, ensuring grid stability during high demand.

So, let’s have a look at solar battery types and their longevity:

Types of Solar Batteries and Their Lifespan

The lifespan of solar batteries can vary entirely based on their chemistry and manufacturing process.

For example, lithium-ion batteries are the most common in residential solar systems, offering an operational lifespan of 10 to 15 years. In contrast, Lead-Acid Batteries are older technology with a shorter lifespan of around 5 to 7 years.

However, two other types of batteries are better suited for large-scale systems: Flow Batteries and Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries.

But do you know there is a subtype of lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Batteries are known for their longer cycle life, supporting over 10,000 cycles under optimal conditions. So, if you are planning to install solar batteries, consider trying lithium batteries for incredible results.

So, now what is a battery cycle?

Battery lifespan is often measured in charge-discharge cycles. For instance, a battery that goes through one complete cycle per day would reach 365 cycles in a year.

Therefore, a battery with a lifespan of 3,000 cycles would last approximately 8 years under daily use.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Solar Batteries: Things You Should Look For!

Yes, solar batteries are essential for a solar power system, and your choice includes system size, budget, expected usage patterns, and desired lifespan.

However, if you are still in a dilemma, consult a solar energy professional like Cyanergy to determine the most suitable battery technology tailored to your needs and circumstances.

You can also consider the following matters to maximize the lifespan of your solar batteries in Australia:

Battery Chemistry
The type of battery chemistry used significantly impacts its cycle life. Lithium-ion batteries, particularly LiFePO4, have longer lifespans than lead-acid batteries.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
DoD refers to the amount of a battery’s capacity used during each discharge cycle. Shallow discharges, where you use only a tiny percentage of the battery’s capacity, tend to prolong battery life.
Temperature
Temperature extremes can significantly impact battery life. Most batteries perform optimally in moderate temperatures (around 20-25°C or 68-77°F).

High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions, leading to faster degradation, while freezing can temporarily reduce a battery’s capacity.
Charging and Discharging Rates
Charging and discharging a battery at high rates can generate excess heat, shortening its lifespan. To ensure safe charging and maintain balance, it’s better to use a charge controller.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance can extend a battery’s life. For example, regularly checking and maintaining the electrolyte levels in flooded lead-acid batteries can prevent damage and extend their lifespan.
Environmental Conditions
Long-term exposure to harsh weather, excessive dust, or corrosive elements can impact the battery storage system’s components and indirectly affect the battery’s life.
Manufacturing Quality and Brand
The quality and reputation of the manufacturer play a role. Reputable manufacturers like Tesla Powerwall, Alpha ESS, and SLA Life often provide longer-lasting and more reliable battery products.
Proper Sizing
Ensuring that the battery is properly sized for your energy needs can prevent excessive cycling and strain on the battery, which can extend its life.

Optimizing these factors for your specific solar battery systems will help maximize their lifespan and ensure you get the most value from your solar storage system.

Want Your Solar Batteries to Last Longer? Do This!

Avoid Deep discharges as regularly discharging batteries to very low levels can shorten their lifespan.
Excessive heat can degrade battery components. So keep batteries in a cool place and ensure proper ventilation.
Use smart monitoring systems to track battery health and performance.

End-of-Life Considerations and Recycling of Solar Panel Systems in Australia 2025

In Australia, many people still wonder what happens when solar panels and home batteries reach the end of their lives.

While solar panels can last several decades, they eventually reach a point where their efficiency reduces significantly. At this stage, they can be either recycled or reused.

Many components of solar panels, such as glass and metals, can be recycled in the recycling process. This ultimately reduces the need for raw material extraction for new panel manufacturing, helping to protect the environment.

Similarly, there are also some less degraded panels, which might be appropriate for secondary applications, such as powering small devices or off-grid systems in the repurposing process.

Solar Battery Recycling & Disposal

Like solar panels, solar batteries also need proper disposal and recycling to prevent environmental harm.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: These can often be recycled to recover materials like lithium and cobalt.

Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead is widely recycled and considered a valuable product in battery manufacturing.

What are the Future Trends in Solar Technology

Living in 2025, the future of solar technology seems bright and rapidly evolving. How?

Continuous technological advancements and growing investment in research and development are making solar energy even more attractive and readily available for residents.

Manufacturing companies are working collaboratively with researchers to develop more efficient and durable materials, such as Bifacial Solar Panels, Perovskite Solar Cells, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and Solar Skin and Transparent Panels.

Another promising development is self-healing coatings, which can automatically repair minor damages and help maintain panel performance over time.

These technologies are expected to reduce degradation rates, further extending their lifespan.

In parallel, innovations in battery technology are gaining momentum. Solid-state batteries, known for their higher energy densities and longer lifespans, are emerging as a potential game-changer.

Additionally, flow batteries, though not yet widely available for residential use, show promise with operational lifespans of up to 30 years, offering long-term storage solutions for solar energy systems.

Takeaway Thoughts

Yes, understanding the lifespans of solar panels and batteries is vital for making informed decisions about renewable energy investments.

But it’s equally important to stay updated on emerging technologies that may extend those lifespans, improve efficiency, and reduce long-term costs.

As solar technology continues to evolve, informed decision-making will require not only knowing what’s available today but also anticipating what’s coming next.

So, for more information on solar energy systems and their components, please explore Cyanergy. You can also talk to our expert team for any of your solar needs.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Lifespan Of Solar Panels and Batteries | 2025 Update appeared first on Cyanergy.

Lifespan Of Solar Panels and Batteries | 2025 Update

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.