TL;DR: Solar panels come with three warranties: product (10-12 years), performance (at least 90% output after 10 years, 80-85% after 25), and workmanship from your installer (5-10 years). Before buying, check the degradation rate stays under 0.5% per year, whether the warranty transfers to a new owner, and if labor and shipping are covered.
Solar panels represent a long-term purchase, so it pays to read through warranty details before you commit. A solid warranty can keep you protected for many years down the line. Below is a breakdown of what you should keep in mind.
The Three Main Warranties
1. Product Warranty
This one takes care of manufacturing and material flaws. Should a panel stop working because of a factory-related problem, the manufacturer will either repair or swap it out. Most solar panels ship with a 10-12-year product warranty.
2. Performance Warranty
This guarantee locks in how much power your panels will keep producing as time passes. A typical performance warranty promises no less than 90% of original output after 10 years, falling to 80-85% after 25 years.
3. Workmanship Warranty
This applies to the actual installation job. It comes from your installer, not the panel maker. It covers problems such as water leaks, loose wiring, and poorly fitted mounting hardware. Most installers provide a workmanship warranty ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Key Points to Check When Reviewing a Warranty
Degradation Guarantee
Spend extra time reading the performance warranty. A quality agreement promises yearly degradation below 0.5%. Some cheaper panels degrade as fast as 1% each year, and that adds up to noticeably lower power generation over the system’s lifetime.
Transferability
Think ahead: what happens if you later sell your house? Find out whether the warranty can pass to the new homeowner. Transfer-friendly warranties make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
Coverage of Labor and Shipping
Quite a few warranties only cover the panel hardware itself. They do not pay for the work to take out the old unit and fit a new one. Confirm whether labor, shipping fees, and reinstallation costs are included.
Company Reputation
A warranty is not worth much if the business cannot stand behind it. Stick with well-established manufacturers known for respecting their warranty terms. Take note of how many years the company has operated.
Warning Signs You Should Watch For
- Warranty length far below normal industry standards
- Clauses that rule out many common failure scenarios
- A manufacturer with very little time in business
- An installer offering no workmanship warranty at all
Simple Steps to Preserve Your Warranty
- Complete manufacturer registration for your panels once installation finishes
- Store all paperwork safely: purchase receipts, warranty certificates, and your installation contract
- Stick to regular basic maintenance, since neglect can void warranty support
- Always hire certified installers whenever repairs become necessary
In Short
A well-rounded warranty brings real peace of mind across decades of use. Before making your purchase, examine product, performance and workmanship warranties side-by-side. Go with proven brands, keep all your documents organized, and your solar setup stays protected throughout its service life.
FAQ
What warranties should solar panels come with?
Look for three: a product warranty covering manufacturing flaws, a performance warranty guaranteeing power output over time, and a workmanship warranty from your installer covering the installation work.
How long do solar panel warranties last?
Product warranties typically run 10-12 years. Performance warranties usually guarantee at least 90% of original output after 10 years and 80-85% after 25 years. Workmanship warranties from installers typically last 5-10 years.
What is the difference between a product and a performance warranty?
A product warranty covers manufacturing and material defects, so the maker repairs or replaces a faulty panel. A performance warranty guarantees the panel keeps producing a minimum amount of power as it ages.
Who provides the workmanship warranty?
Your installer does — not the panel manufacturer. It covers installation problems such as water leaks, loose wiring, and poorly fitted mounting hardware.
Can I transfer my solar warranty if I sell my house?
It depends on the manufacturer. Transfer-friendly warranties make your home more attractive to buyers, so check the transfer terms before you purchase.
What voids a solar panel warranty?
Neglect and improper maintenance are the most common causes. Register your panels after installation, keep all paperwork, and always use certified installers for repairs.
Does a warranty cover labor and shipping?
Not always. Many warranties cover only the hardware, leaving you to pay for removing the old panel and installing a replacement. Confirm what’s included before signing.
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