Are you considering investing in solar panels for your home? If so, one important factor to consider is the performance warranty of each option. You want to know your investment will last and generate savings for years. Some companies offer great 25-year performance warranties, but are 25-year performance warranties for solar panels normal ? This blog post dives into what goes into a solar panel’s lifespan and investigates whether these 25-year warranties are too good to be true or just as reliable as they promise. Read on to learn more!
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Solar Panel Warranty Explained
Investing in solar is an exciting step for you and the planet! Obtaining the peace of mind of knowing that warranties cover your system can ensure you a stress-free solar investment experience. Many of us overlook that a quality solar panel installation comes with more than just an energy efficiency boost; multiple warranty types secure the lifespan and functioning of your panels. The two primary warranties associated with a solar system are the product warranty and the performance warranty.
The former covers any malfunctions due to poor labor or materials, while the latter offsets any loss in energy production during its lifetime. Make sure to seek out reputable companies who will be able to discuss warranty options with clarity and transparency so that you can make an informed decision before saying ‘yes’ to solar!
Product Warranty
When investing in solar panels, it pays to be informed about product warranties. A manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind that if a defect occurs due to manufacturing errors or quality issues, you can request a replacement or a refund which should be provided within the product warranty period.
To offer greater value to customers, some premium manufacturers are now offering longer product warranties ranging from 15 years up to 25 years. This way, customers have more confidence in their purchase and won’t have to worry about unexpected costs for repairs and replacements for years to come.
Performance Warranty
A performance or power output warranty safeguards your solar panel purchase by ensuring that your solar panel continues to produce a minimum amount of power output after 25 years. This type of warranty is important because over time and due to long-term exposure to the sun, ultraviolet radiation, and intense temperatures, most panels dip in their power output.
Generally, 3% is lost in the first year, while the annual loss after that generally stays between 0.3% and 0.7%. Despite these losses, most manufacturers guarantee 80-84% remaining output after twenty-five years of use. If you’re looking for even more assurance, however, several high-end brands such as Sunpower, LG, and REC offer up to 88-92% warranties, providing that extra reassurance with your purchase.
How To Make A Warranty Claim?
Ensuring your solar system runs safely and efficiently is of utmost importance. If you’re concerned that your panels and inverter may be experiencing a fault, the first step is to get in touch with your solar installer or retailer. They will be able to arrange an inspection either on-site or remotely to diagnose any issues, and if they determine the problem lies within the manufacturer’s warranty period, then they should take care of all the necessary paperwork for you.
Can’t get a hold of your solar provider? No worries – simply hire a solar specialist who can inspect the system and provide a condition report and advice accordingly. With their help, you can ensure that your solar panels are running optimally and providing maximum benefit for years to come!
Warranty claims for solar panel manufacturers can be tricky, as the manufacturer requires a fair amount of detailed documentation and photos to meet the installation requirements. Sometimes improper installations occur, such as incorrect mounting clamp positions that impair structural integrity and subsequently lead to rejections of claims.
To ensure your warranty claim is accepted, always remember not to step on the panels when handling, cleaning, or inspecting them. Micro-cracks can be formed, which can void your warranty – an issue you want to avoid! Understanding these small nuances guarantees a seamless and easy process for getting your solar panel issues sorted.
What Is a 25-Year Warranty on a Solar System?
Investing in a solar system for your home is an exciting decision as it allows you to reduce your energy bills and be carbon conscious. One thing that can make the experience even more worry-free is a 25-year warranty on your solar system. You can rest assured knowing that the manufacturer covers your investment should anything malfunction or degrade over time. Performance warranties cover the output of your solar panels, ensuring they still produce at least 80 percent of their rated output even after 25 years to guarantee you’re making the most of your money in the long run.
Conclusion
With all that being said, it’s important to remember that solar panels typically come with a warranty – and the better the quality of your materials and installation, generally the longer the warranty! So when researching and purchasing solar PV systems, make sure you are getting quality products backed by a reliable manufacturer and/or vendor. Additionally, investigate if there is any extra coverage available through extended warranties as well.
To ensure optimal performance from your solar system over its lifetime it’s crucial to understand your warranty coverage and follow any necessary instructions for making a claim should anything go wrong. Ultimately, understanding that you have reliable protection can provide peace of mind when investing in a new solar installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Standard Warranty on Solar Panels?
Make sure you check out the included warranties that come standard. Most solar panel systems include a 25-year performance warranty and a product warranty of 10-25 years. It’s important to read through and understand the warranty to know all the details, including what is covered and what might void it. Long warranties are a good indication the product is built for long-term performance and reliability.
Can Solar Panels Last 50 Years?
The prospect of solar panels that can last up to 50 years is exciting, and this is becoming a reality with the latest models on the market. They boast an impressive expected lifespan of 40-50 years, and manufacturers also provide in-depth warranties that guarantee their performance for at least half of this time.
As solar technology advances and efficiency increases, it is becoming more and more likely that solar panels can truly last for over 50 years without needing replacement or repair.