摘要： Analysis of the performance and durability of photovoltaic (PV) panels allows a coherent and assertive planning. In this study the main causes of PV panel's degradation are evaluated, thus presenting a way to obtain its degradation rate (DeR). The DeR was applied to a simulation in the program OpenDSS to verify electrical losses along panel’s lifetime. Simulations in different scenarios were run to evaluate the degradation levels in different locations. With these results was possible to predict the durability of some PV modules and to validate them with a reasonable precision degree. The conclusion is that in hot climates with high degradation rates, the PV generation may remain higher along the guarantee period than in locations where degradation rates are lower. Thus, this study provides a substantial assertiveness for investments in PV generation.