Photo credit: Shelley Freeman
Solar panels spend over 20 years up on a rooftop or mounted somewhere in the vicinity. That amounts to at least 175, 316 hours consecutively spent in full exposure to the elements, from the strongest winds to the most thunderous rains. So we can only assume that solar panel manufacturers have taken pains to rust proof their products, right?

Absolutely. Solar panel frames are constructed from anodized aluminum, meaning the aluminum is specially coated to be super rust and corrosion resistant. It amounts to an anodic film that protects the aluminum beneath from oxidation caused by reactions with water and oxygen. Anodization also allows coloring and goes well beyond solar panels to everything from fences to faux brass door handles.

It’s easy to feel confident about the rust-proof nature of your solar panels by considering the manufacturer’s warranty included (always read warranties carefully!). Quality panels will come with at least a 20-year warranty on performance and product, and no logical manufacturer would sell a warranty on a product that would likely rust within the first year.

Posted on May 18th in Solar Information by Dan.