A solar power system is a multi-decade investment. If its components degrade quickly over time, you’re likely to drive less long-term value from it. That’s why there’s a need to check whether each component comes with a rock-solid warranty.

All solar panel systems have multiple unique parts. Since they’re distinctive, each of these components has different manufacturer warranties, which have different coverages, too. Hence, reading the fine print and being well-informed about these warranties is crucial.

The thing is, a solar system warranty has a lot of boilerplate legal jargon in it, which may be overwhelming for others. This post will walk you through the nitty-gritty of three warranty categories in a solar panel.

We’ll categorize them into three: equipment, performance, and service. Let’s take a look.

1. Equipment Warranty

A solar panel equipment warranty covers the physical components of a solar panel system, which mainly include the inverters, panels, and batteries. These warranties cover the costs of replacing manufacturing defects, durability issues, or equipment failure of the system’s components with a new working one. The equipment warranty period lasts between 10-25 years.

Inverter

Experts say inverters’ warranties should be prioritized. They’ve been advising several ways to keep inverters long-lasting and high-performing, such as opting for different solar inverter cover options that protect inverters from damage caused by direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure may cause overheating components, consequently reducing inverters’ efficiency.

Specifically, inverters are paid great attention to because they play a crucial role in power generation. The process of transforming electricity (generated by the panel) from direct current to alternating current (the power used in homes) takes place in inverters. They have to work round the clock at a high voltage. As a result, they’re very susceptible to damage.

Most manufacturers tend to guarantee a 5-10-year lifespan for sturdy inverters, but they can last for up to 15 years when taken care of well. On the other hand, premium inverters offer more extended warranties.

Solar Panel

While it may be very rare, there are instances when panels break down due to wiring issues and corrosion. These damages and other defects and issues related to the product and its durability will be covered by an equipment warranty.

Since they don’t happen, the equipment warranty guarantees that the manufacturers will replace those damaged or corroded panels at no costs, so long as they happen within the warranty period. Most manufacturers of these panels provide warranties for 10-15 years or even more than two decades, but the premium ones can guarantee up to 25 years.

Batteries

There are two ways to store excess energy, either in a grid or in a battery. In most cases, you can get solar credit from the excess power stored in grids that are typically connected to solar panels. Since it’s part of the system, it comes with a 25-year performance warranty at most.

On the other hand, if you’re in an off-grid remote area, you can keep a steady energy source by storing excess energy in a battery. This backup system is helpful, especially if there’s no access to electricity or you need to have your supply at the ready. Also, unlike grids, battery warranties usually last 5-10 years.

2. Performance Warranty

A solar panel performance warranty guarantees that the panels will meet their base electricity production at each timeline of their lifetime. This is because the production capacity of solar panels reduces every year they are in use.

It’s estimated that solar panels lose around 10–30% of their original production value over the first 25 years. If the production falls below the indicated mark, the performance warranty will fix or replace any faulty panels so your system will perform at optimal capacity again.

While this may be a decline, it’s rather slow and happens less than 0.5-1% every year. Moreover, this electricity production decline is predictable, letting manufacturers make allowances and performance benchmarks annually.

3. Service Warranty

A solar panel service warranty guarantees any damages or maintenance issues that may occur during the installation of a solar panel system.

In particular, these warranties cover the installers’ errors, including repairs or losses arising from the installation. Some examples of these faults are damaged roofs and faulty connections, which may affect some components or even functions of the solar panel system.

Service warranties are green flags for skilled installers, so opt for professionals who’ll offer it for every installation. It’s best if they have the necessary certifications to vet them and ensure they’re qualified enough to perform correct solar panel system installation.

Final Thoughts

It’s deemed necessary to go through the fine print to know the scope and limitation of each warranty. Being aware of these details will likely give your solar panel system a longer lifespan, giving you an excellent return on investment.