When investing in solar panels, one of the key factors to consider is the warranty. Most solar panels come with a warranty of around 25 years, which gives peace of mind for long-term use. However, not all warranties are created equal, and understanding what they cover can help ensure you make the right choice for your solar system.
Why Solar Panel Warranties Matter?
One of the key factors to consider when investing in solar panels is warranty. Most solar companies offer a warranty on their panels for around 25 years, which gives you peace of mind for the long term. However, not all warranties are created equal, and understanding what is covered can help you ensure you make the right choice for your solar system.
Types of Solar Panel Warranties
When looking at solar panel warranties, you'll find that there are generally four main types: product warranty, performance guarantee, power warranty, and installation warranty.
Product Warranty
A product warranty covers defects in the materials and workmanship of the solar panel. This type of warranty ensures that if the panel itself fails due to manufacturing issues, the manufacturer will repair or replace it. Most product warranties last between 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand. High-quality panels usually come with a longer product warranty, which shows the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Performance Guarantee
Over time, solar panels naturally degrade, meaning they produce less energy as they age. A performance guarantee ensures that your panels will maintain a certain level of efficiency over a specified period. Typically, manufacturers guarantee that their panels will still produce 80-90% of their original capacity after 25 years. If the panel’s performance drops below this level, you eligible for a replacement or repair under this warranty.
Power Warranty
Power warranty focuses on the energy output of the solar panel. It’s similar to a performance guarantee but often emphasizes consistent energy generation throughout the panel’s life. While this warranty may sound similar, it specifically covers any significant dips in the panel’s power production outside of normal degradation. If your panel fails to generate the energy it’s supposed to, the power warranty may cover the costs of fixing or replacing it.
Installation Warranty
This type of warranty is often provided by the installer rather than the manufacturer. It covers any issues related to the actual installation of the panels, such as mounting problems, wiring issues, or leaks caused by the installation process. Most installation warranties last for about 5 to 10 years.
Best Solar Panel Warranties on the Market
When shopping for solar panels, it’s worth paying attention to the brands that offer the best warranties. These warranties can be a good indicator of product quality and long-term reliability. Below are some of the top brands known for their comprehensive solar panel warranties:
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SunPower
SunPower is known for offering one of the best warranties in the industry. Their product warranty lasts for 25 years, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, they provide a performance guarantee that ensures their panels will still produce 92% of their original power output after 25 years. This is one of the highest performance guarantees available. -
LG Solar
LG Solar panels come with a 25-year product warranty and a performance guarantee that promises 90.8% of their original power output after 25 years. LG is also known for the durability and efficiency of their panels, making them a reliable choice for homeowners. -
Panasonic
Panasonic offers a 25-year product warranty and guarantees that their panels will operate at 90.76% efficiency after 25 years. Their panels are built for longevity, and the company is well-regarded for its customer service. -
Q CELLS
Q CELLS provides a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee. Their panels are guaranteed to produce 86% of their original output by the end of the warranty period. This slightly lower performance guarantee is still solid compared to many other manufacturers. -
REC Solar
REC Solar panels come with a 25-year product warranty and a performance guarantee of 92% output after 25 years. They are a top choice for those seeking high performance and strong protection for their investment.
What Does a Solar Panel Warranty Not Cover?
While solar panel warranties are comprehensive, there are several things they typically don’t cover. Here are some common things that are usually not covered by solar warranties:
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Natural Disasters: Events like hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and lightning strikes are not typically covered. For these, you’ll need homeowner’s insurance.
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Damage from Pests: Animals such as birds, squirrels, or rodents causing damage to your panels is generally not included in the warranty.
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User Error: If you or someone without proper training attempts to modify or repair the system and causes damage, this is not covered.
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Shading Issues: If your panels produce less energy due to shading from trees or nearby buildings that were not accounted for during installation, this is usually excluded from the warranty.
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Wear and Tear: Regular wear and tear or degradation that occurs outside the panel’s natural performance limits is typically excluded, as warranties only cover significant underperformance.
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Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain solar panels as recommended by the manufacturer can also void parts of the warranty. It’s crucial to follow maintenance guidelines closely.
How to Compare Solar Panel Warranties?
When comparing solar panel warranties from different manufacturers, it’s essential to focus on several key factors. Here’s how you can effectively compare them:
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Warranty Length: The most obvious factor to compare is the duration of the warranty. Some manufacturers offer warranties of 10 to 15 years, while top brands provide up to 25 years. The longer the warranty, the better the protection.
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Product vs. Performance Warranty: Check if the manufacturer offers both a product warranty and a performance guarantee. The product warranty covers physical defects, while the performance guarantee ensures your panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original output over time. Ideally, you want a company that offers strong warranties for both.
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Degradation Rate: Pay attention to the degradation rate promised in the performance warranty. A lower degradation rate means that your panels will retain more of their efficiency over time. For example, some companies guarantee 90% efficiency after 25 years, while others may offer only 80%.
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Transferability: If you plan to sell your home, it's worth checking whether the warranty is transferable to the new owner. A transferable warranty can add value to your property and ensure continued protection for the solar system.
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Exclusions and Fine Print: Look carefully at what is not covered by the warranty. Certain exclusions, like damage from extreme weather or improper maintenance, may affect how much coverage you actually get.
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Customer Service: Lastly, check reviews of the manufacturer’s customer service. A good warranty is only as helpful as the company standing behind it. You want to ensure that the company will be responsive and helpful if you ever need to make a claim.
What Can Void a Solar Panel Warranty?
Even with a solid warranty in place, certain actions or conditions can void it, leaving you without coverage.
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Unauthorized Repairs or Modifications: If you or an unqualified technician attempts to repair or alter the panels, it can void the warranty. Always use an authorized technician for repairs or upgrades.
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Improper Installation: If the panels weren’t installed by a certified professional, the warranty might not cover any issues that arise. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable solar installer.
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Neglect or Poor Maintenance: Failing to properly clean or maintain your solar panels according to the manufacturer’s guidelines can void the warranty. For example, allowing debris to build up or ignoring routine checks may be considered neglect.
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Environmental Conditions: If your panels are exposed to conditions that they aren’t designed to handle, such as extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals, this could void the warranty.
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Removing or Relocating Panels: If you decide to move or remove the panels without following the proper procedures or using a qualified installer, this could void the warranty.
How to File a Solar Panel Warranty Claim?
If you run into issues with your solar panels and need to make a warranty claim, it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth process.
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Review Your Warranty: Before you file a claim, review your warranty documents to confirm that the issue you’re experiencing is covered. Make sure you understand what type of warranty—product, performance, or installation—applies to the problem.
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Contact the Manufacturer or Installer: Depending on the warranty, you’ll need to contact either the manufacturer or the installer. Many manufacturers prefer you to go through the original installer first, especially for installation warranties.
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Gather Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation such as the purchase receipt, the date of installation, and any maintenance or inspection records. Photos of the damage or issue can also help speed up the process.
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Schedule an Inspection: In most cases, the manufacturer or installer will send a technician to inspect the solar panels and verify the issue. This inspection helps determine whether the problem falls under the warranty coverage.
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Replacement or Repair: If the claim is approved, the manufacturer will either repair the panel or provide a replacement. Some warranties may also cover labor costs, while others might require you to pay for the labor.
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Follow Up: Stay in contact with the manufacturer or installer to ensure the process moves along. If there are delays or complications, don’t hesitate to ask for updates.
SEL’s Solar Panel Warranty
When choosing a solar panel system, it's essential to consider the warranty to ensure long-term protection and reliability. SEL offers a robust warranty for its solar panels, designed to give you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
SEL’s Warranty Highlights:
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25-Year Warranty: SEL provides a comprehensive 25-year warranty on its solar panels. This long-term coverage includes both product defects and performance issues, ensuring that your panels are protected for decades.
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Product and Performance Coverage: SEL’s warranty includes coverage for defects in materials and workmanship as well as a performance guarantee. This means that if your panels exhibit any manufacturing flaws or fail to maintain a high level of energy output over time, SEL will address these issues at no additional cost to you.
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Customer Support: SEL is committed to excellent customer service. Should you need to make a claim, our dedicated support team will guide you through the process to ensure that your issue is resolved efficiently.
By choosing SEL, you benefit from a solid warranty that supports both the durability and performance of your solar panels. With our 25-year warranty, you can be confident in the longevity and reliability of your solar system.
