UK warehouse solar panels typically last 25-30 years operationally. Tier-1 manufacturer panels (Trina, JA Solar, LONGi, Jinko) warrant 25-year output to at least 80% of original capacity — typical actual degradation is 0.4-0.5% per year, meaning 12.5% degradation over 25 years (output remaining 87.5% of new).
What ages first
Inverters are the first major replacement — typically year 12-15 for string inverters. Module-level optimisers (SolarEdge) typically last 25 years matching panel life. Mounting systems (steel or aluminium) typically last 25+ years with proper maintenance.
End-of-life options
Three options at year 25: extend operation to year 30-35 (system still operational at reduced output); decommission and recycle (WEEE-compliant); replace with newer panels using existing mounting (re-power). For most warehouse installs, extending to year 30 is economically optimal — small further degradation but zero new capex.
See more
O&M and maintenance detail: /warehouse-solar-maintenance/. End-of-life decommissioning: /warehouse-solar-removal/.