UK · London
Solar panel degradation rates: what to expect in London
All solar panels degrade over time — it's unavoidable physics. The question isn't whether your panels are degrading, but whether they're degrading faster than expected. Published research shows median degradation rates of 0.5–0.8% per year, but real-world rates vary significantly by climate, panel quality, and installation conditions.
London has a maritime climate with 3.8 peak sun hoursper day. The UK's cooler temperatures benefit panel efficiency but shorter daylight hours affect annual output.
Related issues
Natural panel degradation
commonAll solar panels lose efficiency over time at roughly 0.5–0.8% per year. Accelerated in extreme heat or poorly manufactured panels.
Typical loss: 3–15%
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Check my systemBased on conservative solar performance modelling and published degradation data
Updated April 2026 · Structured performance modelling
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