25-30
Year panel warranties
5-25
Year inverter warranties
Cert
Required for full protection
Types of Solar Warranties
Product Warranty
Also known as: Manufacturer's Warranty
✓ What's Covered
- Manufacturing defects
- Faulty materials
- Premature failure
- Workmanship issues in panel construction
✗ Not Covered
- Normal wear and degradation
- Physical damage (weather, accidents)
- Improper installation
- Cosmetic issues
Performance Warranty
Also known as: Power Output Guarantee
✓ What's Covered
- Output dropping below guaranteed level
- Typically guarantees 80-90% output at end of warranty
- Replacement or compensation if underperforming
✗ Not Covered
- Physical damage
- Shading from new obstacles
- Inverter issues (separate warranty)
- System not installed to spec
Workmanship Warranty
Also known as: Installation Warranty
✓ What's Covered
- Installation errors
- Roof penetrations and sealing
- Wiring and connections
- Mounting system issues
✗ Not Covered
- Panel or inverter defects (manufacturer warranty)
- Pre-existing roof issues
- Modifications made after installation
Typical Warranty Periods by Component
| Component | Product Warranty | Performance Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | 10-25 years | 25-30 years (80-90%) |
| String Inverter | 5-12 years | N/A |
| Microinverters | 20-25 years | N/A |
| Optimisers | 25 years | N/A |
| Battery Storage | 10-15 years | 10 years (60-70%) |
| Mounting System | 10-25 years | N/A |
Warranty periods vary by manufacturer. Always check specific terms before purchasing.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
Document the Issue
Take photos/videos of the problem and note when it started. Record any error codes or monitoring data showing reduced performance.
Check Your Warranty Documents
Locate your warranty certificates, installation certificate, and installation documentation. Check which warranty applies and what's covered.
Contact Your Installer First
Most issues should be reported to your installer initially. They can diagnose the problem and determine if it's a warranty issue.
Manufacturer Claim (if needed)
If it's a product defect, your installer will typically handle the manufacturer claim on your behalf. Some manufacturers allow direct claims.
Get Resolution
The manufacturer may repair, replace, or provide compensation depending on the issue and warranty terms.
Common Warranty Questions
What if my installer goes out of business?
If you used a qualified installer, you should have an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) that covers the workmanship warranty. For manufacturer warranties on panels and inverters, these are separate and remain valid - you can claim directly or through another installer.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my house?
Most manufacturer warranties are attached to the product, not the owner, so they transfer automatically. Workmanship warranties may vary - check with your installer. Provide the new owner with all warranty documents and your installation certificate.
Do I need to register my warranty?
Some manufacturers require online registration within a certain period (often 30-60 days). Your installer should help with this, but check and confirm it's been done. Keep confirmation emails as proof.
What about labour costs for warranty repairs?
Product warranties typically cover the replacement part but may not cover labour. Some premium brands include labour for the first few years. Check the warranty terms carefully and consider extended warranties that include labour coverage.
How do I prove my panels are underperforming?
Use your monitoring system to compare actual vs expected output. Year-on-year comparison at the same time of year is helpful. For performance warranty claims, manufacturers may require independent testing to verify output has dropped below the guaranteed level.
Documents to Keep Safe
- Installation Certificate (essential)
- Panel manufacturer warranty
- Inverter manufacturer warranty
- Battery warranty (if applicable)
- Installation contract
- Workmanship warranty/guarantee
- Insurance Backed Guarantee
- DNO acceptance letter
- Electrical installation certificate
- Building regulations sign-off
- Product serial numbers
- Installer contact details
Keep digital copies as well as physical documents. Store them where you'll find them in 10-20 years time!
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