Solar panels are warrantied to 25 years to a certain performance level. They still work after that, but tend to have reduced performance.
Geothermal systems have about the same 25 year expected lifetime. A lot will depend on if the owner keeps on top of maintenance or not. Given that most homeowners replace their water heaters in <10 years when it could have lasted 30 with good maintenance practices, it’s fair to say it’ll be closer to 25 years for a geothermal system when it could last 50.
Solar is way less reliable because it’s efficiency depends on outside temperature and on the sun, but it’s more versatile in that it can provide general electricity where geothermal is only good for heating and cooling. It just hasn’t quite broken through to be cost effective enough. People would buy it if it were. I’d like solar and a battery as an emergency backup, but it’s tough to justify.
Solar panels are warrantied to 25 years to a certain performance level. They still work after that, but tend to have reduced performance.
Geothermal systems have about the same 25 year expected lifetime. A lot will depend on if the owner keeps on top of maintenance or not. Given that most homeowners replace their water heaters in <10 years when it could have lasted 30 with good maintenance practices, it’s fair to say it’ll be closer to 25 years for a geothermal system when it could last 50.
Solar is way less reliable because it’s efficiency depends on outside temperature and on the sun, but it’s more versatile in that it can provide general electricity where geothermal is only good for heating and cooling. It just hasn’t quite broken through to be cost effective enough. People would buy it if it were. I’d like solar and a battery as an emergency backup, but it’s tough to justify.