How Long Do Harbor Freight Solar Panels Last?

Many homeowners have understandable concerns and reservations as to how much new Harbor Freight solar panels will cost and whether they will last. 

To help you make an important decision, we have put together all you need to know about Harbor Freight solar panels, and how long you can expect them to last.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are small devices that convert sunlight into usable electrical energy. They consist of photovoltaic cells made of silicon or thin-film semiconductor materials. 

These cells are arranged in series and parallel circuits to create different voltages. A voltage regulator then converts the various voltages into one continuous DC (direct current) output.

The basic components of a solar cell are:

• Photocathode – The part of the cell that absorbs light and generates electrons.
• Photoemissive Layer – The part of the photocathode that emits electrons.
• Electron Transport Layer – The part of the photoemissive layer that transports electrons to the next component.
• Contact Layer – The part of the electron transport layer that contacts the metal electrode.
• Metal Electrode – The part of the contact layer that conducts electrons to the outside world.

A typical solar panel consists of multiple solar cells connected together in series and/or parallel circuits. Each circuit produces a certain voltage.

Therefore, to achieve higher voltages, more solar cells must be connected in series.

To increase the amount of power produced by each cell, more cells must be connected in parallel.

Types Of Solar Panels 

There are three main types of solar panels: amorphous, crystalline, and hybrid. Understanding the differences between these will help you make a more informed decision when purchasing your solar panels.

What Are Amorphous Panels?

Amorphous solar panels are also known as amorphous silicon (a-Si) cells. These panels are very popular among homeowners who want to install solar panels but lack the budget to buy a complete solar panel system.

They are generally less expensive than crystalline silicon panels, which makes them an attractive option for many people.

However, because amorphous panels use amorphous silicon instead of crystalline silicon, they don’t produce as much power per square foot.

This means that you need to be careful when deciding where to locate these panels. 

If you live in a hot area, you may want to avoid placing them in windows or vents because they won’t generate enough heat to offset the loss of electricity.

What Are Crystalline Silicon Cells?

Crystalline silicon cells are the most common type of solar cell found in residential solar systems today.

They are extremely efficient, meaning that they convert sunlight into electrical energy at a high rate. Because of this, they are often referred to as “high efficiency” solar panels.

Crystalline silicon cells are manufactured using a process called Czochralski growth.

The raw material used in this process is silicon, which is melted and pulled through a furnace. As it cools, the molten silicon solidifies into wafers. 

Once the wafer is formed, it is sliced into individual pieces. Each piece is coated with a layer of phosphorus and boron atoms, and then dipped into a solution containing antimony.

After being washed, the crystals are dried and ready to be used in solar panels.

The advantages of crystalline silicon solar panels include their durability and reliability. 

Unlike amorphous silicon panels, crystalline silicon panels tend to last longer without requiring any maintenance.

Additionally, they are more resistant to damage from weather conditions such as rain and snow. However, they cost more than amorphous silicon panels.

The disadvantages of crystalline silicon solar cells include their higher weight and lower output compared to amorphous silicon cells.

In addition, they require a lot of space to operate. For example, each crystalline silicon cell needs its own inverter, which converts DC current into AC current.

Read More: Amorphous Vs Monocrystalline Vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels

What Are Hybrid Solar Panels?

Hybrid solar panels combine both crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon cells in one panel.

This allows homeowners to get the best of both worlds: high efficiency and a long life span.

Like crystalline silicon cells, hybrid solar panels have a relatively low initial price point.

However, like amorphous silicon panels, they can still be quite costly.

The main advantage of hybrid panels is their ability to provide a combination of high efficiency and a long lifespan.

Both types of cells work together to create a balance between power generation and longevity.

Why Choose Harbor Freight Solar Panels?

Harbor Freight solar panels are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be durable, reliable, and easy to install.

They come with everything you need to get started right away – including mounting hardware, installation instructions, and even a free power inverter.

The panels themselves are also very affordable, so it’s not hard to see why these are one of the most popular options for residential solar panel installations.

Types Of Harbor Freight Solar Panel 

Harbor Freight offers a variety of different types of solar panels that are suitable for different applications. These include:

• Standard Solar Panels: These are perfect for homeowners who want to add solar panels to their homes. They are typically mounted on rooftops or ground-mounted on concrete pads.
• Ground Mount Solar Panels: These are ideal for commercial properties like warehouses, factories, and offices. They can also be used to supplement existing rooftop systems.
• Rooftop Solar Panels: These are best suited for large buildings that already have roofs. They can be placed directly on top of the roof, or attached to a building wall.
• Flat Plate Solar Panels: These are designed for off-grid installations. They are usually mounted on poles or walls.
• Hybrid Solar Panels: These combine both flat plates and standard solar panels. They are great for larger projects because they allow you to maximize your investment while still providing a high level of efficiency.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

The process of generating electricity from sunlight is called photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells convert light directly into electrical energy.

A photovoltaic cell consists of two layers of semiconductors. One layer acts as a p-type material, while the other acts as an n-type material. 

When exposed to sunlight, electrons move from the valence band of one layer to the conduction band of the other layer.

This creates an electric field across the junction between the two layers. This electric field causes the flow of electrons, creating a voltage.

Read More: Are Solar Panels Safe?

How Does Harbor Freight Solar Panel System Work?

When you connect your Harbor Freight solar panel system to the grid, it converts DC electricity into AC electricity.

Your house’s power meter then measures how much electricity you use each month. 

The amount of electricity you use is compared against the total amount of electricity generated by your solar panels.

Based on this comparison, your utility provider sends you a bill detailing what percentage of the cost of electricity was provided by your solar panels.

When you generate your own electricity using a Harbor Freight solar panel, you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

You’ll also benefit from lower monthly electricity costs, which will allow you to put more money towards your mortgage, rent, and other expenses. 

It may even make sense to invest in a solar power system if your current electricity rates are higher than average.

What Are The Advantages Of Harbor Freight Solar Panels?

Harbor Freight solar panels come with a range of advantages, and these include:

• Low Initial Cost: As mentioned above, you can get a complete solar panel system for about $2,500. This includes everything from mounting hardware to wiring.
• No Maintenance Required: Unlike traditional solar panels, Harbor Freight solar panels don’t require any ongoing maintenance. All you need to do is simply clean them once every few months.
• Energy Independence: Because Harbor Freight solar panels produce electricity, you won’t have to worry about running out of energy during periods of low supply.
• Environmentally Friendly: Since Harbor Freight solar panels are made from recyclable materials, they help protect our environment.
• Easy To Install: Harbor Freight solar panels are easy to mount and remove. Simply unscrew the bolts and lift off the panels.
• Reliable: Harbor Freight solar panel systems are designed to last for many years. They are built to withstand extreme weather conditions, so you don’t have to worry about them being damaged by strong winds or heavy rain.

Are There Any Downsides Of Solar Panels?

Of course, there are always going to be downsides to using any kind of technology. The biggest downside of solar power is its reliance on the sun.

As mentioned earlier, this makes it difficult to use solar energy during cloudy days. 

Also, because solar panels require direct sunlight, they won’t work effectively in areas that don’t receive enough sunlight throughout the year.

Another drawback of solar panels is that they do not store energy. So, if you want to use your battery at night, you will need to invest in an inverter.

However, these drawbacks pale in comparison to the benefits of solar energy.

When you compare the cost of solar panels to the cost of traditional methods of generating electricity, you’ll see that it’s definitely cheaper.

Plus, you can rest assured knowing that your panels will provide clean, renewable energy for generations to come.

Why Should I Install Harbor Freight Solar Panels?

There are a number of reasons why installing harbor freight solar panels could be a good idea for your home or business.

First of all, they are incredibly affordable. In fact, if you choose to purchase the panels at full retail price, you will pay less than $1 per watt installed! 

This means that you can save money on electricity bills without having to spend thousands of dollars on expensive solar panels. Not only that, but they are also extremely reliable.

Harbor Freight solar panels are manufactured by a trusted company that has been in business since 1969, and they offer a lifetime warranty on their products.

If anything goes wrong with your panels, they will fix or replace them at no charge.

How Much Will My Solar Energy Cost Me Per Year?

The total cost of installing Harbor Freight solar panels depends entirely upon where you live and what type of roofing material you have.

However, the average cost to install a single solar panel system ranges between $2,500 and $4,000. You should budget around $3,000 for a complete installation. 

Of course, there are other costs associated with installing solar panels, such as permits, taxes, labor, and financing.

But when compared to the savings you will enjoy over time, the additional expenses are well worth it.

Harbor Freight solar panels are very affordable. In fact, you can expect to pay around $0.13 cents per kWh when you install your solar panels.

This means that you will end up paying around $2.50 per year for the electricity produced by your solar panels. 

However, there are many factors that determine how much electricity you actually produce.

For example, the size of your roof and the amount of sunlight that hits it will affect how much electricity you generate.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of Harbor Freight Solar Panel Systems?

In general, most people who buy a Harbor Freight solar panel system will get anywhere from 10-20 years out of them. This means that you can count on your panels lasting for several decades. 

However, some people report getting even longer life spans. It’s important to note that the lifespan of your panels will depend largely upon the quality of the materials used to build them.

In addition, the environment in which your panels operate will also play a role in determining how long they last.

How Long Do Harbor Freight Solar Panels Last?

The length of time that your Harbor Freight solar panels last depends entirely upon the quality of the components used to make them.

If you’re buying a brand-new set of panels, you can expect them to last for 20 years or more.

However, if you’re purchasing used panels, you may only get 5 years out of them.

When looking into the different types of solar panels available, you should consider their longevity.

For example, crystalline silicon panels tend to last about 15-20 years while thin-film panels typically last anywhere from 25-30 years. 

In addition, you should take care to look at the frames of your panels – plastic frames tend to weather more quickly, and may not last as long as those made from more durable materials.

Read More: How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Is It Worth Buying A Used Harbor Freight Solar Panel System?

If you’re thinking about installing a Harbor Freight solar array, then one thing you might want to keep in mind is whether or not it’s worth investing in a used solar panel system.

While it’s true that you can save money by purchasing a used solar panel system, there are other reasons why you shouldn’t bother with it. 

First, you have no idea what condition your old solar panels were in before they were sold off.

You could end up with something that doesn’t work properly and/or has been damaged in some way.

Second, you never know how much the original owner spent on maintenance and repairs. 

Third, the warranty on a used solar panel system isn’t as good as the warranty on a new one.

Finally, when you purchase a used solar panel system you lose all of the tax credits associated with owning a new one.

Final Thoughts

Investing in quality solar panels helps you to save money, store energy, and play your part in helping to make the planet a healthier and happier place.

It is important, however, to ensure that you do plenty of research before making your purchase – this will help ensure that you enjoy value for money, and invest in a solar panel kit that will stand the test of time.

We all know that solar panels can help us to do our part for the planet, but many homeowners have understandable concerns

and reservations as to how much new solar panels will cost, whether they will last, and whether this is a change that is realistic for their home. 

To help you make an important decision, we have put together all you need to know about Harbor Freight solar panels, and how long you can expect them to last.