Life span of amorphous solar panels

I have just taken delivery of a 62 foot narrow boat, and very interested in the Unisolar adhesive backed panels. However on the Free Solar Energy UK web site it says 'these panels offer ease of fitting but due to being based on cheaper silicon,don't offer the same efficiences and typically need replacement every 5 years- these degrade fast.' Your comments please as I am a little confused. Paul.

That's nonsense - Unisolar offer a 20 year warranty on the power output of the panels. Why would they do that if they only had a lifetime of a few years?! I've used Unisolar panels on the roof of my own narrowboat for over 5 years and haven't noticed the slightest loss of power from them. I've found them exceptionally good value.

It is true that some of the early 'thin-film' solar panels had a significantly shorter lifespan than conventional silicon panels. But it's just not true of the current Unisolar amorphous range. I'm sure you will be very happy with them if you do go for them!