Investing in solar panels is a smart move for your wallet and the planet, but it’s also a long-term commitment. To protect your investment, understanding the warranties and guarantees that come with your solar panels is essential. These agreements ensure you get the performance and durability you expect, giving you peace of mind for decades to come.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of solar panel warranties, what they cover, and why they matter.
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1. The Basics: Why Warranties Matter
Solar panels are built to last, but like any technology, they can experience issues over time. Warranties protect you against unexpected costs and provide assurance that your panels will perform as promised.
There are two main types of solar warranties:
- Performance Warranty: Ensures your panels will produce a certain amount of energy over their lifetime.
- Product Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects and other hardware-related issues.
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2. Performance Warranty: Ensuring Long-Term Energy Production
Solar panels degrade slightly over time, meaning they produce less energy as they age. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output for a specific period, typically 25 years.
- What It Covers: Gradual efficiency loss over time.
- Industry Standard: Panels should retain at least 80-85% of their original efficiency after 25 years.
- What to Look For: A higher retained efficiency percentage indicates a higher-quality panel.
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3. Product Warranty: Protecting Against Defects
The product warranty focuses on the physical components of the solar panels, such as glass, frames, and junction boxes. This warranty is typically shorter than the performance warranty, ranging from 10 to 25 years.
- What It Covers:
- Manufacturing defects.
- Premature wear and tear.
- Damage due to faulty materials or workmanship.
- What to Look For: A longer product warranty is a sign of a manufacturer’s confidence in their panels.
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4. What’s Typically Not Covered?
Warranties don’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Damage caused by improper installation (this falls under the installer’s warranty).
- Weather-related incidents like hailstorms or lightning.
- System issues caused by third-party components (e.g., inverters or batteries).
Be sure to review the warranty terms and understand the limitations.
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5. Installer Warranties: The Unsung Hero
Your solar provider plays a significant role in your system’s longevity. Most reputable installers offer a separate warranty for their workmanship, typically lasting 5–10 years.
- What It Covers:
- Installation errors.
- Issues with wiring, mounting, or system setup.
- Why It Matters: Even the best panels can underperform if poorly installed.
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6. Transferring Warranties: What Happens if You Move?
If you sell your property, most solar panel warranties are transferable to the new owner. This can add value to your home and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Check with your manufacturer and installer to confirm transferability.
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7. How to Maximize Warranty Coverage
- Choose Quality Panels: Opt for well-reviewed brands with strong warranties.
- Work with Certified Installers: Proper installation ensures your warranty remains valid.
- Maintain Your System: Regular cleaning and inspections help prevent avoidable damage.
- Register Your Warranty: Some manufacturers require registration to activate coverage.
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8. Top Brands and Their Warranties
Leading solar panel manufacturers offer competitive warranties. For example:
- SunPower: 25-year product and performance warranty.
- LG Solar: 25-year product and 90.8% efficiency performance guarantee.
- Canadian Solar: 12-year product and 25-year performance warranty.
Researching warranties is as important as comparing panel efficiency and cost.
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Conclusion
Understanding solar panel warranties and guarantees is a critical step in protecting your investment. By knowing what’s covered—and what’s not—you can make an informed decision and ensure your solar panels perform reliably for decades.
Ready to go solar? Partner with a trusted provider who offers top-quality panels and strong warranties for a worry-free experience. 🌞
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