Solar Panel Warranties 101: What You Need to Watch For

When you’re investing thousands of dollars into a solar panel system, one of the most important (and overlooked) details is the warranty. It’s easy to focus on cost, savings, or panel efficiency—but understanding your solar panel warranty can protect you from costly surprises down the road.

In this guide, we’ll explain the three main types of solar warranties, how to compare them, and what red flags to watch out for before you sign on the dotted line.

Why Solar Warranties Matter

Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years, but even the best systems can face issues—ranging from performance degradation to faulty inverters. A good warranty ensures that if something goes wrong, you’re not the one footing the bill.

🛑 Warning: Not all warranties are created equal. Some providers use vague terms or limited coverage that can leave you unprotected.

Solar Panel Warranties 101: The 3 Main Types of Solar Warranties

1. Product (Equipment) Warranty

This covers defects in the materials or workmanship of the solar panels themselves.

• Typical Length: 10 to 25 years
• What it covers: Cracks, delamination, faulty wiring, hot spots
• What it doesn’t cover: Performance degradation or external damage (like hail or fire)

✅ Look for manufacturers that offer 25-year product warranties—that’s a sign of confidence in quality.

2. Performance Warranty

Also called a power output warranty, this guarantees that your panels will still produce a certain percentage of their rated output over time.

• Typical Coverage:
  • 90% output after 10 years
  • 80–85% output after 25 years
• Why it matters: All solar panels lose efficiency over time. This warranty ensures the drop is gradual—not dramatic.

🔍 Some top-tier panels (like SunPower or REC) guarantee 92%+ after 25 years, which is excellent.

3. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty

This warranty is offered by the installer, not the manufacturer. It covers problems caused by installation errors—like loose wiring, roof damage, or improper racking.

• Typical Length: 1 to 10 years
• Coverage depends on installer, so always ask for specifics

🧰 If you’re working with a solar broker, they can help you compare installers who offer stronger workmanship guarantees.

What to Watch for in the Fine Print

📝 Limited vs. Full Coverage

Some warranties only cover replacement parts, but not labor or shipping. That could leave you paying out-of-pocket for repairs.

Ask: “Does the warranty cover labor and transportation for defective parts?”

🔄 Transferability

If you sell your home, will the warranty go with it?

Look for warranties that are transferable to the next homeowner—this adds value to your property.

🧾 Degradation Rate

This refers to how quickly your panels lose performance. Lower degradation = better long-term output.

Best-in-class panels degrade at 0.25% per year or less.

⚖️ Who Handles Warranty Claims?

Some manufacturers require you to go through a dealer or installer, while others let you contact them directly.

A solar broker can help navigate claims and ensure you deal with reputable manufacturers who stand behind their products.

Bonus: Inverter & Battery Warranties

• Inverters (essential for converting solar energy) typically have 10 to 15-year warranties
• Batteries (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge) usually carry 10-year warranties, often based on usage cycles

⚡ Inverter and battery warranties are separate from panel warranties—make sure you review them too.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Without Reading the Warranty

Solar warranties aren’t just paperwork—they’re your safety net. Understanding the differences between product, performance, and workmanship warranties can save you money and stress down the road.

When comparing quotes, don’t just ask “How much will I save?” Ask:

• “What happens if something goes wrong?”
• “Who handles the warranty claim?”
• “What is and isn’t covered?”

Working with a solar broker can make this process easier, giving you access to top-tier products with transparent, long-term coverage—without the guesswork.

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