Are solar panels waterproof?

Almost always, rooftop or ground-mounted solar arrays will have panels exposed to rainy, wet weather, meaning panels must be waterproof to keep producing power for many years. Because solar panels have been exposed to the elements for several decades, they need to resist water damage as possible. All home solar panels are waterproof.

Do photovoltaic panels need water?

But photovoltaic panels do require some water, even though they don't have turbines to turn. In the desert and in semi-arid coastal California, where rain may not fall for many months at a time, dust accumulates on those panels, and dust cuts into power output.

What happens if a solar panel gets flooded?

A non-waterproof solar panel may get flooded with water, causing less sunlight to reach the solar cells or even breaking individual cells. If this happens, they will likely not produce the power needed to fulfill their production warranty promise, and your solar manufacturer will replace any water-damaged panels.

Do solar panels have a warranty?

Luckily, most solar panel manufacturers offer two different warranties to protect your solar panel investment: an equipment warranty and a production warranty. A solar panel equipment warranty protects against problems associated with the quality of the physical solar panel.

How long do solar panels last?

This means that after ten years, your solar panels should retain at least 90% of their production capability as when they were first installed (or 80% of their initial production after 25 years). A non-waterproof solar panel may get flooded with water, causing less sunlight to reach the solar cells or even breaking individual cells.