When people think about solar, one of their first questions is: how long does this stuff actually last? The short answer is decades. Most panels are built to last 25 to 30 years and come with warranties to back it up. They lose a tiny bit of efficiency each year, but even after 25 years, they’re still producing power. The inverters (the part that converts solar energy into usable electricity) usually last 10 to 15 years and come with solid warranties too. A good installer will also guarantee their workmanship. In most cases, once your system is up and running, it just works—with very little maintenance.