Understanding Solar Panel Warranties: Performance vs Product vs Workmanship

Thinking about going solar? Your warranties matter. They protect you from defects, set expectations for long-term performance, and can help with resale value. Below is a simple guide to the three core warranty types and how to read the fine print so you know exactly what is covered.

The Three Types of Solar Warranties at a Glance

Overview of Solar Panel Warranties

Solar panel warranties are promises from manufacturers and installers that cover different aspects of your solar system’s performance and durability. They’re essential for homeowners because they can help ease the burden of repair and replacement costs, giving you peace of mind. Plus, having a solid warranty can boost your home’s resale value by reassuring future buyers about its energy efficiency and reliability.

Strong warranties also stand by you when unexpected issues pop up, ensuring that any defects in materials or workmanship are taken care of without you having to spend extra. This protection not only saves you from pricey repairs but keeps your solar panels working efficiently throughout their lifespan. With solid warranties in place, you can feel confident knowing your investment is well protected.

Types of Warranties: Performance, Product, and Workmanship

Performance Warranty

A performance warranty is a key player in the mix, typically guaranteeing solar panel performance for at least 25 years. This means you can count on your panels to produce a certain amount of energy for the long haul. 

Generally, manufacturers promise that degradation rates won’t exceed 0.25% to 0.75% per year, so even after 25 years, your panels should still generate a solid chunk of their original output. That translates to predictable energy savings over time!

What to check:

• Degradation rate and the guaranteed output at year 25.
• Linear vs step warranties and what triggers a claim.
• Measurement method and test conditions.

Product Warranty

Product warranties focus on defects related to materials and workmanship, lasting around 10 to 12 years . These cover important components like the solar panels and inverters against any manufacturing flaws, ensuring the essential parts are functional. 

A good product warranty is your safety net against early failures of these critical components, which is vital for anyone investing in solar energy. Be sure to review the terms of these warranties closely since they can help shield you from unexpected replacement costs.

What to check:

• Term length for panels and for inverters or other hardware if included.
• What is excluded as “damage” rather than “defect.”
• Whether shipping, removal, and reinstallation are covered or not.

Workmanship Warranty

The workmanship warranty deals with the quality of the installation itself. Typically lasting between 1 to 10 years, this warranty is crucial for protecting you against problems that can arise from shoddy installation practices. 

If solar panels are poorly installed, it can hurt the system’s efficiency and longevity, ultimately increasing long-term costs. Reputable installers, like Solar Energy World, pride themselves on quality workmanship and often provide strong workmanship warranties to reassure clients about their installation choices, adding extra peace of mind to your investment.

What to check:

• What is covered and for how long.
• Response time and service process.
• Whether leaks around roof penetrations are covered and for how long.

Typical Lengths of Warranties and What They Cover

Solar warranties differ in duration and coverage, so here’s a quick overview to help you compare:

• Performance Warranty: Usually spans 25 years.
• Product Warranty: Lasts between 10 to 12 years.
• Workmanship Warranty: Typically ranges from 1 to 10 years.

It’s important to know that variations can exist between brands and manufacturers, so take the time to read through warranty details closely.

Going over warranty lengths and coverage can reveal significant differences between manufacturers, which can greatly impact your decision-making. This highlights the importance of comparing various warranty offerings when choosing a solar provider to ensure everything aligns with your needs.

Interpreting the Fine Print: Key Terms to Look Out For

When sifting through solar warranties, watch out for key terms and conditions that can significantly impact your coverage. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Warranty transfers: Check if the warranty can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your home, which helps preserve its value for future transactions.
• Exclusions: Be aware of exclusions that could void your warranty, so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected limitations.
• Maintenance obligations: Find out what maintenance is necessary to keep the warranty valid, since regular check-ups are often required.
• Claims process: Get familiar with how to file a warranty claim, including any necessary documentation and timelines.

Navigating these elements carefully can help prevent misunderstandings down the road. Being informed about these terms will lead to a smoother claims experience if the need arises.

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Solar Warranties

There are a few myths out there about solar warranties that can confuse homeowners. Let’s clear those up:

• All warranties are equal: In reality, coverage and terms can vary widely between different manufacturers and models, influencing your long-term performance and satisfaction.
• Performance warranties guarantee energy output without maintenance: Regular upkeep is necessary to keep your warranty active; neglecting maintenance could lead to claims being denied.

Debunking these myths is crucial for helping homeowners make informed choices about their solar investments, ensuring they understand the landscape of warranties and what those implications might be.

Choose the Right Warranty Coverage for Long-Term Peace of Mind

Understanding the three warranty types puts you in control. Performance warranties set minimum energy output over time. Product warranties cover manufacturing defects. Workmanship warranties protect the quality of the installation. Compare more than just the years on paper. Look at the guaranteed year-25 output, the degradation rate, what labor, shipping, and removal or reinstallation include, whether coverage transfers to a new owner, and how the claims process works.

If you are comparing bids or planning future upgrades, use warranty terms as a tie-breaker. Favor brands and installers that publish clear terms, honor transferable coverage, and provide fast service when you need it. A solid warranty package protects your budget and keeps your system producing for decades.

Keep learning next steps that add value and savings: see how solar can increase home value, review solar tax incentives you may qualify for, and explore energy monitoring to track performance. Ready to move forward? Get a Free Solar Estimate and our team will walk you through the warranty details on your design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Main Types of Solar Warranties?

There are three types you should know: performance, product, and workmanship. Performance covers minimum power output over time, product covers manufacturing defects in the panel, and workmanship covers the quality of the installation.

What Does Each Warranty Cover?

Each warranty protects a different thing. Performance guarantees a minimum energy output after expected degradation. Product covers defects in materials and manufacturing. Workmanship covers installation issues such as mounting, wiring, and roof penetrations.

How Long Do Solar Warranties Last?

Most warranties follow a common pattern. Performance is typically 25 years. Product is often 10 to 12 years, sometimes longer. Workmanship ranges 1 to 10 years depending on the installer.

Are Warranties Transferable If I Sell My Home?

Many warranties can transfer to the next owner. Some require a simple registration step or fee, so check both the manufacturer and installer documents for the exact rules and deadlines.

Does a Performance Warranty Guarantee My Utility Bill Savings?

A performance warranty does not guarantee your electric bill results. It is measured at the panel under test conditions. Your bill depends on usage, weather, shading, rate plans, and system design.

What Can Void a Solar Warranty?

There are a few things that can void a solar warranty. Common issues include improper installation, unapproved modifications, lack of required maintenance, storm damage beyond ratings, and missed claim deadlines. Read exclusions closely.

Are Labor, Shipping, and Removal or Reinstallation Covered?

Some warranties include labor and shipping while others cover hardware only. Confirm whether removal and reinstallation are covered and in what situations.

Do Inverters and Batteries Have Separate Warranties?

Related components usually have their own terms. Inverters and batteries carry separate warranties, so review those in addition to the panel warranty.

How Do I Compare Warranties Between Brands and Installers?

A good comparison looks beyond the years on paper. Check the guaranteed year-25 output, the degradation rate, transfer rules, labor and shipping coverage, and how the claim process and response times work.

How Do I File a Warranty Claim?

A smooth claim starts with good records. Keep your contract, serial numbers, monitoring data, photos, and invoices together. Contact your installer for workmanship issues and the manufacturer for product defects, then follow the listed steps and timelines.

What Maintenance Is Required To Keep My Warranty Valid?

Keeping coverage valid usually requires basic care. Follow the brand’s guidance for safe cleaning and periodic checks, fix issues promptly, and keep receipts for any service.

What If My Installer Goes Out of Business?

Manufacturer coverage still applies to eligible products. Contact the manufacturer for an authorized service provider and confirm whether labor is covered under their terms.