Understanding Solar Warranties: What to Look For and Why They Matter

When you invest in solar energy, you’re making a long-term commitment to sustainable power for your home or business. However, like any significant investment, it’s crucial to understand the warranties that come with your solar system.

Solar warranties can offer peace of mind, ensuring that your system will continue to perform efficiently for years to come. But with various types of warranties available, it can be challenging to navigate what’s included, what’s not, and why they’re so important.

Types Of Solar Warranties

Manufacturer’s Warranty (Product Warranty)

A manufacturer’s warranty typically covers the solar panels, inverters, and other components of your system against defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty is often the most extended warranty for your system and typically lasts 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer.

What It Covers

• Defects in the materials used for the panels or inverters.
• Faulty workmanship or poor manufacturing could impact performance.

Why It Matters

If any part of your system is defective, the manufacturer will repair or replace it at no additional cost, helping to ensure that you don’t face expensive repairs early on in your system’s life.

Performance Warranty

Performance warranties are specific to the energy production of your solar panels. This warranty guarantees that your solar panels will produce a certain percentage of their original rated output over a defined period (often 25 years).

What It Covers

• Decreased energy production due to manufacturing defects.
• Panels are underperforming compared to initial specifications.

Why It Matters

Over time, solar panels lose some of their efficiency (this is called degradation). A good performance warranty ensures your system will still meet a minimum level of performance, even after years of use.

Workmanship Warranty

This warranty covers the installation work performed by the solar company. If your solar system is improperly installed, leading to issues like leaks, wiring problems, or poor system performance, the workmanship warranty will protect you.

What It Covers

• Poor installation practices that affect the function of your solar system.
• Issues such as leaks, faulty connections, or equipment misalignment.

Why It Matters

Proper installation is critical to the performance and safety of your solar system. A solid workmanship warranty ensures that any installation mistakes are corrected without extra cost to you.

What to Look For In A Solar Warranty

When choosing a solar provider, it’s essential to understand the terms and coverage provided by each warranty. Here are some key factors to consider:

Length of Coverage

Check how long the warranty lasts. A long warranty is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Solar panel warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years, but some manufacturers offer up to 30 years of coverage.

Coverage Details

Make sure the warranty clearly outlines what is covered and what is not. Understand whether the warranty covers only defects or also includes performance issues and installation-related problems.

Transferability

If you decide to sell your home, you’ll want the solar warranty to transfer to the new owner. A transferable warranty can increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Exclusions and Limitations

Every warranty will have exclusions and limitations, such as damage from natural disasters, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what’s not covered.

Claim Process

Check how easy it is to file a claim under the warranty. A streamlined, customer-friendly claims process can save you time and frustration should an issue arise.

Protect Your Investment With The Best Type Of Warranty

Solar warranties are a crucial part of any solar energy investment. They offer protection against defects, performance issues, and poor installation, ensuring that your solar system provides reliable, efficient energy for years to come.

When choosing a solar provider, make sure to carefully review the terms of the warranties offered to ensure that you’re getting the best protection for your investment.

At Advanced Solar, we are committed to providing top-quality solar systems with the warranties you need for peace of mind. If you’re ready to take the next step in your solar journey, contact us today to learn more about our products, warranties, and services.

Let us help you make a sustainable, smart investment in your future.