Solar panels are very durable and typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more in the UK. Most manufacturers provide a 25-year performance warranty. The payback period (the time it takes for your energy savings and export payments to equal the initial cost) typically ranges from 6 to 10 years for UK homes, depending on electricity costs, available incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), and system size. The long-term ROI is generally good, often exceeding the return of other investments.