For solar projects, warranties are crucial in ensuring that your investment is protected over time. These warranties can cover various components and aspects of the solar system, each with specific terms and responsible parties.
- Manufacturer Warranties:
– Product Warranty: This covers the physical solar panels against defects in materials or workmanship. Standard product warranties typically last between 10 and 25 years. The manufacturer is responsible for replacing or repairing defective panels.
– Performance Warranty: Also known as the power output or performance guarantee, this warranty ensures that solar panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power output over time, usually 25 years. For example, it might guarantee that panels will produce at least 80% of their rated output after 25 years.
- Inverter Warranty:
– The inverter, which converts solar power from DC to AC electricity, usually has a separate warranty. Standard inverter warranties range from 5 to 15 years, and they can be extended in some cases. The manufacturer of the inverter is responsible for this warranty.
- Workmanship Warranty:
– This warranty is provided by the solar installer and covers the installation work. It includes roofing penetrations, mounting racks, and overall system installation quality. Workmanship warranties typically range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the installer. The solar installation company is responsible for addressing any issues related to the quality of the installation work.
- Battery Warranty:
– If your solar system includes energy storage, the batteries will have their own warranty. This can vary widely but generally covers a certain number of years or cycles (how many times you can charge and discharge the battery). Battery warranties ensure the battery maintains a certain capacity (e.g., 70% of original) over the warranty period.