How resistant are solar cells to rain, test of time? how reliable is it to buy one according to this?

Question

How resistant are solar cells to rain, test of time? how reliable is it to buy one according to this?

Answer 1

NanoSolar sells their product with a 20 year warranty. But of course you can't buy them because Germany has contracted to buy all they make.

You do need to have a warranty that covers the product payback period, and you can generally find that, but not much better.

Most installations have better than 90% of panels still working 5 years beyond warranty expiry, but a small number have had complete destruction as a result of hail high wind, or oddly enough, sun. (overheating damage).

I would say you need insurance against all perils.

Answer 2

You don't say what type of cell you want to buy and who makes.  But be aware that Energy Conversion Devices has a new factory in Troy, Mich.  They feel that solar cells should not be made as brittle crystalline panels in a costly batch process.  They have designed a process "involving unusual industrial gases that produces miles of thin-film solar material that is cheap, durable and flexible enough to integrate into roofs."  

That type may be worth waiting for.