Everything you need to know about the warranty on your solar panel system.

Switching to solar energy is a big investment and you need to be sure that solar panels protected and will last for many years. This is where a solar panel warranty comes into play.

Your warranty may cover expenses things like panel replacement, repairs and labor. It can also cover the performance of the solar panel system. The ideal warranty will keep your system running smoothly for decades to come, so choosing an installer with a strong warranty should be an important consideration during your solar journey.

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about solar panel warranties, what’s covered, what’s not, and some red flags to look out for as you evaluate your options.

What is the warranty for the solar panel?

The solar panel warranty is a guarantee from solar installer that it will repair or replace your system if certain problems arise within a certain period of time after the system is installed. Some warranties even cover the cost of manufacturing during the installation process, ensuring a quality installation. If your installer says your solar system is out of warranty, that’s a red flag.

It is also important to note that not all warranties are created equal. Some solar warranties may last 20 years and cover only product and labor costs, while other warranties may last 25 years and cover product, system performance, and labor costs. Don’t be afraid to shop around to see who has the best deal.

What does the solar panel warranty cover?

There are three different types of solar warranties that you should look for: product warranty, performance warranty, and labor warranty. If you are purchasing a solar panel system, the ideal warranty package should include all three. Let’s take a closer look at what each type of warranty covers.

Solar Product Warranty

The product warranty covers the physical hardware of your solar panel system. This “guarantees the physical integrity of the panels and inverters,” said Ben Delman, the company’s senior director of communications. Solar United NeighborsThis was reported by CNET. “For example, if a connection on a panel fails, that panel will be replaced under the product warranty.”

Solar panels and microinverters typically come with warranties of up to 25 years. Central inverters usually come with a warranty of up to 10 years. The product warranty is provided by the solar panel company, not the installer. And if you plan to purchase a solar panel along with a solar panel system, the battery comes with a different warranty. Average battery warranty is 10 years.

Solar panel performance guarantee

Your solar panel performance warranty guarantees that your panels will produce a certain amount of electricity for the duration of the warranty. The performance of your panels—their overall ability to produce electricity—degrades over time. A performance guarantee ensures that your system’s power will not drop by more than a certain amount each year, or that it will operate to a certain capacity at the end of a longer period.

“Performance warranties typically guarantee up to 80% of capacity after 25 years, but each warranty will be different,” Delman said.

Like a product warranty, performance warranties are between you and the panel manufacturer, not the installer.

Are labor and delivery costs included?

Solar panel warranties don’t necessarily cover “soft costs,” which are things like labor, shipping and permitting. If you want this type of expense to be covered, you will likely need a separate labor warranty. This is suggested by your installer, not the panel or equipment manufacturer.

“The labor warranty covers workmanship, including wiring and any holes the installer makes in the roof,” Delman said.

Are there extended warranty options?

If you want to purchase insurance for a longer period than the standard 20-25 years, you may want to consider extending the warranty on your solar panels. According to the company, this additional warranty typically adds $350 to $500 to the cost of your system for an additional 5 to 15 years of service. SaveonEnergy.

An extended warranty may result in savings on future repairs for your system, but you should consider solar energy payback period before you make a decision. The solar payback period is the amount of time it takes for your solar energy investment to pay off.

“If you live in an area where the payback may be seven to 10 years, it may not be worth getting a longer warranty because by then your panels will have already paid for themselves,” Delman said. “But in an area where the payback is longer, you may find it financially smart to invest in a long warranty because you’re still working toward a return on your investment.”

Solar Panel Warranty Limitations

As with any investment in your home, it’s worth reviewing the fine print of your warranty. As you consider offers from different installers, look out for red flags in the warranty that could limit your coverage in certain situations. For example, solar warranties may not cover damage caused by extreme weather events or limit your ability to transfer the warranty to a new owner if you sell your home.

And since some warranties don’t cover soft costs like labor, you may also want to consider a labor warranty to ensure your system is protected from huge repair or maintenance costs down the road.

“Discuss this with your installer to make sure the panels, manufacturing and labor are covered under warranty,” Delman said. “This may vary from offer to offer, so you should ensure that the warranty for these various items is included.”

Can you insure your solar panel system?

In addition to making sure you have a warranty on your solar panels, it’s also worth making sure your system is insured. Many homeowners insurers cover roof-mounted solar panels as part of a regular homeowners insurance policy, although systems mounted on the ground or carport may require additional coverage, according to the report National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Before you begin installation, talk to your insurance company to better understand whether adding solar power could raise or even lower your insurance premiums.

“Some insurers offer green credits to their customers, but installing solar panels can increase your premiums because you’re adding another clause to your policy,” Delman said. “Before you go solar, check with your insurer to see what impact it will have on the cost of insuring your home.”

If your current policy doesn’t provide coverage, it may be time to buy a new policy that does, or look for a new insurer entirely.

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