Understanding Solar Panel Warranties
Key Takeaways
- Understand the core components of solar pricing.
- Always compare multiple quotes to find the best deal.
- Incentives can drastically reduce your net cost.
Protecting Your Investment for 25 Years
A solar installation comes with multiple layers of warranties. Understanding who covers what is crucial if something goes wrong.
Equipment/Product Warranty
Provided by the manufacturer, this guarantees that the physical panel will not fail due to manufacturing defects. Most tier-1 solar panel manufacturers offer a 10 to 25-year equipment warranty. Inverter warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years as well.
Performance Warranty
Solar panels naturally degrade and lose a tiny bit of efficiency every year. A performance warranty (also from the manufacturer) guarantees that the panels will produce a certain percentage of their original nameplate capacity after a specific time (usually 25 years). For example, a warranty might guarantee 85% production at year 25.
Workmanship Warranty
Provided by the local solar installation company, this covers the actual labor. If the installer didn't seal a roof penetration correctly and it causes a leak, or if wiring comes loose, the workmanship warranty covers it. These typically range from 5 to 10 years, though some premium installers offer 25 years.
Reviewed by the Superior Solar editorial team
We enforce a strict editorial policy focused on factual accuracy, transparent methodologies, and unbiased homeowner education.
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