When deciding to go solar, it is crucial to understand the warranties that are being provided with your system. Knowing that your investment has coverage in case an issue arises is invaluable. This article helps breakdown the various warranties that you should look for or can expect with your solar system. Warranties comprise two key areas: the product manufacturer’s warranties and the solar installer’s warranties.

Manufacturer’s Warranties

The solar industry has seen a massive uptick in technology in recent years and with it, a host of new brands and technologies. Some brands out there do a decent job in meeting your solar needs, while others excel in covering your needs and offer an excellent warranty, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

Solar Panel Warranties 

Solar panels are not all created equal. Quality panels, like those used by Solar Topps, produce more energy for longer periods, which helps you save more money on your energy bills long term. By opting for high-quality panels, you can ensure that the companies offering them also provide more favorable warranty terms. This way, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your system is protected in case any unforeseen issues arise. When reviewing the solar panels for your system, look closely at the following warranties: 

Product Warranty

This warranty will cover any defects in materials or workmanship during the product’s manufacturing process. Different manufacturers will have different warranties on their panels. It is important to check and see how long they offer coverage of their products. Some manufacturers will only cover their product for 5 years while others will cover it for 25 years. To get the most out of your investment, consider a solar panel with longer-lasting warranties.

Performance Warranty 

To understand solar panels, we should consider “how much energy they will produce over time.” This warranty covers the performance levels of your solar panel system. Solar panels go through a process known as degradation, which means they produce slightly less energy each year they are in operation. How much less they produce is important to understand. You will want to consider: 

1) How much energy the panel will lose in its first year (most panels lose between 2 – 3%)? 

2) How much energy the panels will lose each year thereafter (up to 25 years)? 

3) In year 25, what percentage of the initial wattage rating will the panel be producing?  

Inverter Warranties

Choosing the type of inverter to install in your system is important, and equally important is understanding the warranty for your choice. Most traditional string inverters come with 12-year warranties.  

The two companies Solar Topps works with often are Solar Edge and Enphase. Enphase offers a standard warranty of 25-years. Whereas SolarEdge offers a standard 12-year warranty on their inverters and a 25-year coverage on its power optimizers. It is important to note that these warranties only apply to the buyer who has purchased the products from an authorized SolarEdge seller.

Batteries 

As energy storage devices become more prominent, it’s important to understand their warranty terms. Most batteries come with a standard 10-year warranty which reflects a “start to end” date on the battery, determined by a set number of discharge cycles. Similar to the Performance Warranty for Panels mentioned above, Batteries come with a Capacity Retention Warranty. This warranty measures how well a battery retains stored energy when not in use.

Additional Considerations for Manufacturer’s Warranties 

As always, Solar Topps encourages you to read the fine print on all warranties before going solar. It’s important to know in what instances your warranty may or may not be covered. For instance, if your panel is damaged by a golf ball, it may not be covered under the warranty. Moreover, it’s important to know if your warranty covers just parts or also labor. Lastly, Having total coverage means less money out of your pocket if an issue arises.

Which is why we proudly partner with companies who offer warranties for products, performance, and labor. Brands like REC and Enphase offer some of the best warranties in the market. The best way to truly invest in your solar panel system is to make sure you are covered years after your installation.

Solar Installer Warranties

When selecting an installer, consider the warranties they offer in addition to product warranties. Having additional coverage will guarantee your system is in good hands in the event of an incident. Here are some of the key warranties to look for from an installation company:

Workmanship Warranty 

The top solar installers offer a workmanship warranty, specific to system design and installation, to guarantee their work. These warranties can range from 2 – 25 years. When getting a solar proposal, ask about this warranty to know that you are covered in case something goes wrong.

Roof Penetration Warranty

This warranty covers the work that is done on your roof specifically where your system is installed. The type of coverage of your penetration warranty depends on the installation company. Make sure your warranty works with your current roof warranty. For solar installation, include roof repair costs in your system’s price to take advantage of credits and incentives.

Performance Production Chart

A reliable solar company can provide a performance production chart, giving you an estimate of your system’s annual energy production. This chart is helpful to know whether or not your system is performing per its intended design and expectations. When reviewing a solar proposal, ask for a production chart showing the system’s energy output for the next 25 years.

Main Takeaway

Having the peace of mind that your solar system is covered in case any issues arise is priceless. Reviewing manufacturers’ and solar installer’s warranties helps you make informed solar decisions. For any questions on warranties and how they may apply to you, please feel free to contact us.