The importance of solar panel warranties cannot be overstated. Although solar panels rarely fail, they can be a real pain when they do. Hence, they are one of the most important things you should look out for when investing in solar panel systems. As a homeowner, you may want to ask yourself a few questions regarding solar panel warranties before investing in a solar panel system.
Why are solar panel warranties important? What options do you have? Read on to find out!.
Solar Panel Warranties Explained
Most solar panels are designed to last twenty-five or more years trouble-free. They are durable, reliable, and are rarely affected by harsh weather. However, solar panels do fail at times. Rather than incur expensive repairs, you are better off investing in product and performance warranties for your solar panels.
Types of Solar Warranties
Solar panel warranties are covered in three main areas:
1. Performance Warranty
Solar performance warranty guarantees protection against solar panels that degrade faster than they should. Performance warranty guarantees 90% production over the first ten years and 80% for up to 25 years. If the solar panel output falls below these figures, a performance warranty kicks in, and you can replace the problematic panel.
2. Product Warranty
A product warranty, on the other hand, covers manufacturer defects and equipment failure. It is considered the most basic warranty since it is quite straightforward. Most manufacturers offer product warranties of around 10-12 years. Ideally, the minimum product warranty that you should be looking for is ten years—however, the more the number of years, the better.
3. Service Workmanship Warranty
Contractors who install the solar panel also issue workmanship insurance. A typical workmanship warranty covers your solar panel for about ten years. This warranty covers the costs of repair and replacement.
Homeowner Insurance for Solar Panels
As with other permanent additional features or alterations to your house, solar panels are considered part of your home and are covered by home insurance. They are viewed as a form of home improvement, and hence most home insurance providers won’t create a particular add-on or increase your premiums.
However, specific solar systems such as ground-mounted solar panels and solar panel carports may require an add-on or separate policy. You should engage your agent on solar panel warranty insurance and how your homeowner’s insurance policy can provide coverage.
Do Not Void Your Warranty.
Your solar panel requires professional installation, without which your warranty could become void. DIY installations and jobs that are done by non-professionals could nullify your performance warranty.
Also, maintenance works by another contractor rather than the one who installed your solar panel could void both the performance and workmanship warranty. Poor maintenance such as trees blocking the sun from reaching your panels may also nullify your warranty.
It is crucial for you to ask your contractor about the specific conditions that might void either of your solar panel warranties.
Choose the Best Contractor
As you navigate through your options for a solar panel installation, it is vital to understand the warranties and know what is covered and what is not. At Solar Optimum, we can help you understand the specifics of your solar panel installation.
Furthermore, we offer a 6-point 25-year warranty that is unmatched in the industry. For more details on our solar panel warranties, please contact us.
