The setup of solar panels proves to be a wise monetary choice. Solar panel systems lower electricity expenses and boost house prices, and enable self-sustaining renewable power usage for extended periods.
Get A Free Solar QuoteAmong all the vital aspects to evaluate in a major financial investment, such as solar panels, lies the warranty, which gets little attention. The understanding of solar warranty terms, including coverage scope and duration, allows you to avoid massive costs and stress in the future.
Everything about solar panel warranties is revealed in this simple explanation, which leads directly to useful action steps.
Why Do Solar Panel Warranties Matter?
Solar panels are designed to last for decades, often 25 years or more. But like any product exposed to the elements, things can go wrong. Whether it’s a manufacturing defect, a sudden performance drop, or wear and tear over time, you want to be protected.
That’s where a strong solar panel warranty steps in. It gives you peace of mind that your investment is secure and that you're not on the hook for unexpected costs during your system’s lifetime.
The Three Main Types of Solar Warranties
When shopping for solar panels, you'll encounter three core types of warranties. Here's what they cover:
Product Warranty (or Equipment Warranty)
Under product warranty, the manufacturer supports solar panel owners against defects that include damaged panels and manufacturing errors.
- Typical Coverage Length: 10 to 25 years
- Covers: Manufacturing defects, corrosion, durability issues
If your panels crack, delaminate, or otherwise malfunction because of manufacturing problems, the product warranty has your back.
Performance Warranty (or Power Output Warranty)
Solar panels degrade over time. The performance warranty guarantees that your panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original output after a number of years.
- Typical Coverage Length: 25 to 30 years
- Covers: Gradual reduction in panel efficiency
Allocated output by manufacturers typically spans from 80 to 90 percent during twenty-five years of operation. A warranty claim for replacement or reimbursement becomes valid when your system produces less energy than expected during 25 years.
Workmanship Warranty (or Installation Warranty)
The installer provides this warranty even though the panel manufacturer is not involved because it protects against installation problems.
Typical Coverage Length: 1 to 10 years
Covers: Leaky roofs, wiring problems, faulty mounting, electrical issues due to installation
Always check if your installer offers this type of warranty and what is included.
What’s Typically Not Covered?
While solar panel warranty coverage is broad, there are exclusions to be aware of:
- Damage from extreme weather: Hurricanes, lightning, floods
- Acts of nature or accidents: Fallen trees, fire, vandalism
- Poor maintenance: If panels aren’t cleaned or cared for
- Unauthorized repairs or modifications
Homeowners insurance, along with solar-specific insurance, offers coverage beyond warranty limits, thus, it becomes a smart decision to get either coverage.
How to Evaluate a Solar Panel Warranty
Not all warranties offer equal protection. Here’s what to look for when comparing warranties across brands:
Length of Coverage
Longer doesn’t always mean better, but it’s a good sign. Aim for at least 25 years for performance and 10 years for product warranties.
Performance Guarantees
Pay attention to warranty conditions, which provide 90% performance guarantees for the 25th year instead of 80%. Ten percent represents a substantial portion that produces significant savings for the long run.
Transferability
If you sell your home, can the warranty transfer to the new owner? Transferable warranties increase your property’s value.
Labor and Shipping Costs
Will the manufacturer cover labor, shipping, and replacement panel installation, or are those out-of-pocket for you?
Reputation and Financial Stability
A 25-year solar panel warranty only matters if the company is still around in 25 years. Choose well-known, financially sound manufacturers.
Popular Brands and Their Warranty Comparison
Here’s a quick look at warranties from leading solar panel manufacturers:
While all offer decent coverage, higher-end brands like SunPower and REC lead in terms of performance guarantees.
Registering and Maintaining Your Warranty
To make sure your solar panel warranty is valid:
- Register it: Some manufacturers require warranty registration within a certain timeframe after installation.
- Keep records: Hang onto installation receipts, panel serial numbers, and inspection reports.
- Use certified installers: Hiring non-certified labor can void warranties.
- Schedule maintenance: Annual inspections and cleanings help your system stay in top shape and protect your warranty eligibility.
What Happens If You File a Claim?
If your panels underperform or malfunction, here’s a general process:
Diagnose the issue: Your installer will assess whether it’s a product or installation problem.
- File with the manufacturer: If it’s a panel issue, the claim goes to the manufacturer.
- Wait for approval: They may request evidence such as photos, performance data, or an inspector’s report.
- Get a replacement or refund: You’ll either receive a new panel or reimbursement, depending on the terms.
Some companies make the process seamless, while others drag their feet. That’s another reason to pick a brand with solid customer reviews.
Extended Warranties and Add-On Coverage
Some installers offer extended warranties for added peace of mind. These may include:
- 25–30 years product protection
- Extended labor warranties
- Monitoring system warranties
- Battery system coverage
Inquire about package contents and the value of extra charges.
The same careful attention should be given to solar panel warranty comprehension as you give to system understanding. The warranty ensures both investment security and system performance durability, as well as peace of mind when unpredictable incidents occur.
Get A Free Solar QuoteThe right moment exists to examine your coverage since you are currently evaluating brands as well as reviewing system documents. A strong warranty provides solar energy benefits without creating any concerns for users.