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When investing in a solar energy system for your home, understanding the warranties that come with your installation is crucial. These warranties serve as your protection against potential issues that could arise over the lifespan of your solar panels and related equipment. While solar technology is known for its durability and long-term performance, it’s important to know what coverage is provided in case something goes wrong.
This article will guide you through the key warranties to look for in a solar installation, including product warranties, performance guarantees, and workmanship coverage. By understanding these warranties, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your solar investment is safeguarded for years to come. Whether you’re a first-time solar buyer or looking to upgrade your current system, knowing the ins and outs of solar warranties is essential for peace of mind and long-term savings.
Different Types of Solar Warranties
When investing in a solar energy system, it’s essential to understand the various warranties that come with it. These warranties generally cover both the equipment and the installation.
Solar Power Production Warranty
Solar panels naturally experience a gradual reduction in performance over time. To address this, your panels come with a power production warranty, which guarantees that they will maintain a certain percentage of their original production capacity over the years. Most power production warranties ensure that, after 25 years, your panels will still operate at about 80% of their initial output. A higher percentage guarantee is preferable, as is a lower annual degradation rate – typically no more than 0.7%.
Solar Equipment Warranty
Solar panels are durable and have no moving parts, requiring minimal maintenance. Despite their robustness, a solar equipment warranty, also known as the “materials” warranty, ensures that your panels are free from manufacturing defects or durability issues. If your panels encounter problems due to these issues, the manufacturer will provide replacements at no cost. Typically, the industry standard for this warranty is 10 years, though some high-quality panels offer up to 25 years.
Inverters, which convert the electricity generated by your panels into usable power for your home, also come with warranties. Since inverters generally have a shorter lifespan than solar panels, they may need to be replaced at least once during the life of your system. Materials warranties for inverters usually range from 5 to 10 years, but some manufacturers offer warranties extending to 12 or even 25 years.
Solar Installer Workmanship and Roof Warranties
Many solar installers offer a workmanship warranty, which covers the quality of their installation. This warranty is important as it indicates the installer’s commitment to their work, from system design to the actual installation. A good workmanship warranty assures that any issues arising from the installation process will be addressed.
Proper installation of solar panels should not void any existing roof warranty. In fact, solar panels can help protect your roof from weather-related wear and tear, potentially extending its lifespan. If you have concerns about the potential damage solar panels might cause to your roof, check out this article for more information. Workmanship warranties vary among installers; some include labor costs for any equipment servicing required during the warranty period, while others may not. It’s crucial to review the workmanship warranty thoroughly to understand what is covered before signing a contract.
Impact on Solar Warranties if Your Installer Goes Out of Business
If your solar installer goes out of business, don’t worry about the most crucial aspect of your system: the equipment warranties. Manufacturer warranties will still cover your solar panels and other key components, even if the installer is no longer available to honor their workmanship warranty. Issues with the installation are likely to become apparent soon after setup, so any potential problems should be detectable early on.
Just as with purchasing a new home appliance, the focus should be on the quality of the equipment rather than just the installer. A solid equipment warranty paired with a strong power performance warranty is the best assurance of long-term reliability and performance.
In the unlikely event that a problem arises, many solar equipment manufacturers are established, reputable companies with a track record of honoring their warranties. This stability ensures that you can trust them to stand by their products if issues occur. Be sure to compare your options and choose high-quality solar panels for your home to ensure the best performance and warranty coverage.
