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Solar panel warranties are a crucial factor to consider when investing in solar energy. They protect your solar investment and are essential to any solar installation. However, comparing these warranties can be confusing. Even if you sift through pages of dense documentation, understanding the differences between various manufacturers can feel like comparing apples to oranges.
In this guide, we will:
- Reveal which solar panel companies offer the best warranties
- Discuss the important factors to consider when evaluating warranties
Understanding Solar Panel Warranties
A solar panel warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer, ensuring the coverage and expected performance of their products. Any reputable solar panel manufacturer will offer two primary warranties:
Product Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects and faults.
Performance Warranty
Guarantees that the panels will maintain a certain level of efficiency over time.
When researching solar panel brands, pay attention to these basic warranties. However, some manufacturers offer additional protections, such as coverage for installation, labor, and extra parts. These extended warranties are typically provided by manufacturers with certified installer programs, like REC and SunPower.
Difference Between Product and Performance Warranties
Understanding the difference between product and performance warranties is crucial when evaluating solar panels.
Product Warranty
A product warranty, also known as an equipment or materials warranty, covers defects in the solar panels and sometimes other equipment. This warranty protects you from issues stemming from manufacturing errors or poor material quality.
Key points include
- Duration: Typically 10 to 15 years, with premium panels offering up to 20 or 25 years.
- Coverage: Repairs or replacements for defects linked to the manufacturer. It usually does not cover diagnostic costs.
- Example: If an installer finds a faulty panel during installation, the manufacturer will cover the cost to fix or replace it.
- Limitations: Product warranties do not cover installation issues, which are covered by the installer’s workmanship warranty.
Performance Warranty
A performance warranty guarantees the solar panels will maintain a certain level of power output over time.
Key points include
- Duration: Usually 25 years.
- Coverage: Ensures the panels’ power output won’t drop more than 2% after the first year and no more than 0.5% each year thereafter.
- Degradation Rate: The lower the rate, the better. Aim for panels with a degradation rate around 0.5% or lower.
- Example: If a panel’s power output falls below the guaranteed percentage, the manufacturer will take corrective action.
- Considerations: Performance warranties are based on Standard Test Conditions. Slight underperformance initially might not indicate damage.
By understanding these warranties, you can make a more informed decision when investing in solar panels, ensuring long-term protection and performance for your solar energy system.
The Importance of Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panel warranties are essential for several reasons:
Indicator of Quality
Warranties often reflect the quality of a product. Companies provide better warranties for higher-quality products, indicating confidence in their durability and performance.
Peace of Mind
Even though solar panel failures are rare, errors can still occur. Warranties offer customers reassurance that they are protected against defects and that the products are built to last.
Protection for Your Investment
Solar panels are a significant investment, and having a warranty ensures you won’t incur additional costs if a problem arises. This coverage is crucial for protecting your financial commitment to solar energy.
Solution Assurance
In case of a defect or issue, warranties provide a pathway to a solution. While diagnosing and resolving problems can be time-consuming, knowing that you have coverage is comforting.
By securing warranties, you ensure that your solar panels will be supported throughout their lifespan, safeguarding your investment and maintaining your system’s efficiency and reliability.
Are Labor and Shipping Costs Covered by Solar Panel Warranties?
A solar panel manufacturer may provide a 25-year product or performance warranty that covers the replacement of defective panels. However, this coverage does not always extend to the labor and shipping costs associated with reinstalling the equipment.
Labor for Diagnostics, Repairs, or Replacements
Most manufacturers do not cover the labor costs for diagnostics, repairs, or replacements of their products. However, many local installation companies offer maintenance and repair coverage within their own warranty agreements. It’s important to note that installer warranties can vary significantly and often only cover their own workmanship, not maintenance costs for properly-installed equipment.
Some manufacturers do include labor costs in their warranties, either partially or entirely. The best solar panel warranties might cover these expenses up to a specific amount (e.g., $600 over the warranty term).
Additionally, a few manufacturers offer workmanship warranty coverage if you work with installers from their certified network. This ensures they can stand by both their product and the quality of the installation.
Shipping of Parts
When a solar panel breaks and a free replacement is provided under the manufacturer’s material warranty, shipping costs may not be covered. Many manufacturers will cover the cost of the replacement part but not the fees to ship the equipment. Some might ship the product to a local or regional distributor, leaving you or your installer responsible for transporting it to your home.
Similar to labor fees, some manufacturers may offer to cover shipping costs but with an upper spending limit. Always check the specifics of your warranty to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Claim Process
Documentation
- Keep all purchase and installation documents.
- Maintain records of regular maintenance.
Reporting Issues
- Report any issues as soon as they arise to avoid warranty voidance.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for reporting and handling claims.
Additional Considerations
Extended Warranties
- Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
- Evaluate if the extra cost is worth the extended coverage.
Transferability
- Check if the warranty can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your property.
- Transferable warranties can add value to your property.
Understanding these key aspects of solar panel warranties can help you make an informed decision and ensure that your solar energy system is protected for the long term.
