The installation cost might appear high but that extra cost might have something to do with the warranty on a solar system. However, the cost will pay for itself after a few years, and you can expect the system to last for many years. In most cases, the manufacturer will have warranties to guarantee both the product and its performance.
The solar system warranty can be reassuring, as you know the manufacturer will cover repairs or a new product if errors occur.
Let’s take a closer look at solar panel warranties!
Warranty on a solar system product
Like most electrical products, solar panels will usually come with a product warranty. This will protect you economically in case of quality issues, or failures caused by workmanship or defective components.
If the product does not live up to its expected quality standards, the manufacturer will either replace the solar panel or provide you with a refund. But remember, the warranty will only apply within the warranty period.
What is considered a good warranty on a solar system?
In most cases, the product warranty period for solar panels will last around 10 years. However, you may also find some manufacturers that offer better deals – like 15, 20 or even 25-year warranties.
Solar system performance warranty
A performance warranty should be included with the product warranty on a solar system. Many refer to the performance warranty as a “power output warranty”. The performance of a solar panel is the power output.
Usually, the performance warranty will guarantee the retained electricity output to be at a certain percentage of the original output over a period of 25 years. In other words, it will tell you how much power you may expect the solar panel to produce at the end of its lifetime.
After installation, a solar panel will be exposed to UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. This will lead to light-induced degradation. This will slowly affect the power output.
In the first 12 months, the solar panel will typically lose 3% of its power output. After this, the light reduced degradation will usually reduce the output by 0.3-0.7% annually.
What solar panel performance warranty should you expect?
After 25 years, the retained power output of a solar panel will normally be 80 to 84 % of what it originally was. This is the industry standard. This outcome is a good performance.
However, you will also find high-end products from manufacturers like REC, Sunpower and LG with even better guarantees. These sun panel products will typically guarantee the remaining power output to be around 88–92% after 25 years.
It is also possible to find solar panel manufacturers that can offer a 30-year performance warranty on a solar system. Tier 1 solar panels built with high-end materials have the best warranties.
What manufacturers offer the best warranty on a solar system?
According to comparison charts that compare the solar panel warranty given by different manufacturers, some will give you better warranties than others. The warranty will usually be related to the quality of the product.
Warranty-wise, these are some of the best manufacturers and product lines:
- SunPower Maxeon
- REC Alpha
- SunPower P Series
- Q Cells C6+
How to claim your warranty?
If you experience a product failure or a massive drop in the power output of your solar panels, you might be able to claim your warranty. First, you should contact the retailer or installer, and ask for an inspection. That way they can diagnose the problem.
You may also contact or hire a solar panel system specialist, and ask them to inspect the solar panels. This might be a solution if it is not possible to get hold of the installer (if the installer company no longer exists, for instance).
If an issue is discovered during the warranty period. The retailer, specialist or installer will usually handle the warranty claim on your behalf.
The manufacturer of the solar panels will require the problems to be documented. They will ask for information about the installation. This ensures the installation follows the correct procedure.
Make sure to use a serious installer
The claim may be rejected if the installation was not correct. It is important to choose an approved and reputable installer that will do the job correctly.
Also, note that you or maintenance workers should never step on the solar panels on your roof. This might lead to small cracks in the panels, which the warranty might not cover.
Consider product and performance warranty when buying solar panels
Solar panels will usually have two different types of warranties, and this differs them from many other electrical appliances and products. When buying solar panels, you should choose a manufacturer that offers a good warranty on a solar system.
This will cover you in case of a product failure or if the performance is lower than expected.