Choosing the Best Solar Panel Warranty for Your Home
May 20 2021
Choosing a solar panel warranty is an important step in the process of going solar. Solar panels are a big investment that you’ll want to protect. Maximize your savings with the right solar panel warranty.
Greenlife Solar is your go-to source for everything you need to know about residential solar. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your home and wallet.
Learn more about your options for solar warranties before choosing. Find out what to look for and what to expect here.
Solar Warranties
There are a few different types of solar warranties. Each one protects a different aspect of your home solar system. Learn more about each below.
Product Warranties
A product warranty, also known as a materials warranty, guarantees that the panels will produce a certain amount of electricity over their lifespan. This solar system warranty typically states that a panel will produce at 90% efficiency after 10 years and 80% after 25 years.
These solar warranties protect you from manufacturing defects, premature wear, and environmental issues. Product warranties can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
Product warranties don’t cover the cost of labor for diagnosis or solar repairs. However, some companies offer a workmanship warranty that covers this kind of solar panel servicing.
Performance Warranties
A performance warranty, also known as a linear performance warranty, guarantees that panel production will remain above a specified degradation rate for 25 to 30 years, depending on the warranty period.
Unlike a product warranty, a performance warranty does not specify that the panels will produce a certain amount of energy over time. Instead, this solar panel warranty ensures that the panels remain able to produce the desired amount of power in prime conditions.
The solar panel warranty a company offers you is based on lab tests that mirror the conditions your panels will perform in. This allows the company to calculate potential production levels.
Most solar panels come with both of these types of solar warranties. Look for a solar company that offers a 25-30 year linear performance warranty and a 15-25 year product warranty.
Keep in mind that solar panels are designed to last. They don’t require much solar panel servicing in the long run. A solar system warranty is simply added protection against unexpected solar repairs.
Solar Inverter Warranties
In addition to these solar panel warranties, many companies offer a solar inverter warranty. A solar inverter is responsible for converting DC electricity into AC power for your home. Without a functional solar inverter, you have no useable energy.
The average solar inverter warranty covers 10 years, but others can fall anywhere between 5 and 15 years. You may also have the option to extend your solar inverter warranty to 20 years for an additional cost.
This warranty covers the cost of materials needed to repair your inverter. Certain options cover labor, but not all.
Some solar inverters notify the homeowner immediately when the inverter is unable to function. If this is the case, your solar inverter warranty may require that the unit has internet access so the firmware can be upgraded remotely. It may also contain an exclusion that reduces the warranty period if the internet connection is lost for extended periods.
If you don’t have this feature, you can always check your solar monitoring system. Most solar monitoring systems are connected to a phone app. Here, you can find quick information and determine if you need to perform any solar repairs.
Minimize Solar Repairs with a Quality Solar Installer
The right solar system warranty will keep money in your pocket. Switching to solar is a big investment, and you want to be sure that any solar repairs or solar panel servicing you may need are covered.
It all starts with choosing the right solar installation company. Greenlife Solar can help. We partner with qualified, trusted companies nationwide to give homeowners options. When visitors use our site, they can compare pricing from a variety of installers for no cost.
The best way to find a company that fits your needs is to compare your options. Use Greenlife Solar to compare installers and solar warranties. Find a quality system and the best solar panel warranty to go with it.
A quality solar company will be with you every step of the way, from installation to solar panel servicing and maintenance. Start on the right foot with Greenlife Solar.
