Are you thinking about going solar but worried about potential problems down the line? We understand your concerns, so we want to provide you with everything you need to know about solar warranties.
After this article, you’ll understand the differences between various solar panel covers and determine the most essential features for your case. You will better understand what can’t be covered and how to keep your solar warranties valid. Learn how to maximize your coverage and make a correct warranty claim.
A manufacturer guarantees their products meet certain performance and durability standards over a specified period. Depending on the panel and manufacturer, this time frame usually varies from 10 to 25 years.
If a panel fails within the solar panel warranty period, the manufacturer needs to fix it, saving you significant money, and sometimes, it can be thousands of dollars.
Also, manufacturers are more likely to produce high-quality solar panels if they know they must stand behind them with solar warranties. So, if your panel has a 15-year product warranty, you can be sure they will provide top-notch quality for this period.
Solar providers offer diverse warranties, with many presenting multiple options concurrently. As of 2024, there are four solar warranties: product, performance, workmanship, and monitoring.
We will briefly review each type to help you understand and choose the provider that offers the most comprehensive options. Spending an extra few hours researching possible options is always a great idea. However, the Solar Power Systems team will gladly help you with this task.
Product warranties address material defects in solar panels, encompassing issues like glass cracks, delamination, and corrosion. Ensure comprehensive coverage by checking essential components such as panels, inverters, and racking.
This warranty usually lasts 7-20 years, but some premium manufacturers offer up to a 30-year warranty. If you plan on selling your home, ensure solar warranties can be transferred to the new owner. Keep all of your warranty-related paperwork in a safe place.
We highly recommend you check the providers’ and manufacturers’ reputations and pick only proven options. You can check our trusted provider list, saving you valuable time in your selection process.
Ask our experts directly to send you a list of suitable local providers. All you need to do is tell us your desired solar system parameters, solar panel warranty requirements, and ZIP code. Shortly after, you’ll get an expanded list of suitable installers.
They guarantee your panels’ minimum power output over time. They go beyond the panels’ physical condition and guarantee their ability to generate a specific amount of electricity over time.
Performance solar warranties are usually expressed as a percentage of the original output, like 80-90% after 25 years of work. It ensures a minimum power output, meaning you receive the expected energy production throughout the system’s lifespan.
Source: LinkedIn
Solar warranties may provide a linear power output decline over time, ensuring a predictable decrease in performance. So, double-check this info in the contract as it directly affects the power production in the long run.
The Tesla solar panel warranty is among the greatest examples of excellent performance coverage. They guarantee at least 80% of nameplate coverage for at least 25 years. So, if you buy their panel today, you’ll most likely get a predictable performance even in 2050.
These solar warranties cover issues arising from the installation process rather than panel defects. If the panel gets scratched by three branches, it’s not the workmanship case.
This type of warranty covers damage due to:
Typically, the workmanship solar panel warranty lasts 3-5 years but can vary depending on the installer team.
They are a relatively new addition to traditional contracts. They cover the functioning and performance of the monitoring and tracking systems. These solar warranties address hardware malfunctions, such as sensor failure and software glitches affecting data collection.
Typically, this solar panel warranty lasts 5-10 years. However, it can vary depending on the manufacturer or installer. Before signing, ensure that it covers all components of your monitoring system.
While those contracts offer valuable protection, understanding what they don’t cover is key to avoiding unexpected costs and disappointment.
Normal aging and environmental factors cause gradual power decline beyond the solar panel warranty period. Usually, it’s less than 10-15% of degradation. Most solar providers describe this in a contract.
Check the workmanship (installer) solar warranties in your contract. Otherwise, the provider may not compensate for installation-related issues like improper mounting. Obtain necessary permits and approvals, which may be your responsibility, as some installers may not handle this task.
Inspect your contracts with solar warranties for other exclusions and causes to void the warranty. Improper maintenance, unauthorized modifications, or intentional damage typically revoke the coverage.
Choosing the proper warranty is crucial for long-term peace of mind and financial protection.
Fulfill all contracted responsibilities and familiarize yourself with essential details and care requirements. If you violate form paper maintenance, you can revoke the solar warranties.
The documentation includes the most common maintenance tips. Many manufacturers also provide user-friendly cleaning guidelines for household items.
Prioritize regular inspections with visual photo fixation. It may become handy during the solar panel warranty claim. Ensure cautious yet detailed cleaning during each self-inspection. Remove dust, debris, and snow that can hinder sunlight absorption. Don’t use harsh detergent. In most cases, it will be enough to wipe panels with a damp cloth and let them naturally dry.
Address any identified issues promptly to prevent them from escalating and potentially voiding your solar warranties. Contact the installer team if you are still determining if your current case is the guarantee case. Most panel power fluctuations are easily fixable. In any case, it will be better to solve the problem initially.
Respect installation requirements; any retreat from solar panel warranty rules can revoke the warranty. Avoid unauthorized installments, modifications, or repairs to your solar panels or system components. Use only verified teams to install and repair. Typically, you can find a proven team list in your solar warranty contract.
One of the most frequent solar forum questions is, “What is a manufacturer’s warranty, and how does it differ from an installer one?” Understanding the difference between manufacturer and installer coverage is crucial for making informed decisions.
But what do you do if you sign a solar lease? People are curious about who becomes responsible for solar warranties in this case. Typically, the installer takes over the communications. If you have issues with panels, you can safely contact the team that installs the system. They fix the problem independently or contact the manufacturer to provide the best possible service for you.
If something happens with your panels, keep yourself calm. We recommend you adhere to these instructions, and the situation will be resolved smoothly.
Claim duration differs depending on the issue and provider policies. In some cases, it can take just 2-3 weeks; in other solar panel warranty cases, it could be months.
Keep solar warranty papers and copies of communication with the installer even after the contract expires. Don’t hesitate to clarify any doubts or questions during the claim process.
When reviewing solar panel warranties, carefully examine the details for potential exclusions or limitations, such as weather damage, vandalism, or improper installation.
Confirm the transferability of solar warranties to a new homeowner, enhancing the property value. Take time to compare options from various manufacturers and installers before signing a contract. While warranty length is important, consider the terms and conditions and ask company representatives questions to make an informed decision.
Solar Power Systems directly collaborates with more than 100 solar providers across the US. Contact our experts if you don’t want to spend time manually sorting potential options.
Tell us your location and potential needs so we can find the local team for you. We will give you the provider list with solar panel warranty options that suit your needs. Feel free to ask any questions related to the panel purchase and installation, from legal to aftercare topics.
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