Solar panel warranties protect your investment and keep your system running for decades. In fact, many manufacturers guarantee performance for 25+ years! But here’s the thing: warranties aren’t a free pass for every issue. There are fine-print conditions, gray areas, and actions that could void your warranty completely. And If you don’t know what to watch out for, you could end up paying out of pocket for repairs you thought were covered. Read this guide to learn exactly what’s covered and what’s not, and the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about warranties, so you can transition to solar with confidence.
What Issues are Covered in a Solar Panel Warranty?
The issues covered by a solar panel warranty depend on the type of warranty that applies. These include:
Product Warranty
A product warranty protects you against manufacturing defects and material failures in your solar panels. Physically, these issues can appear as:
- Glass delamination, where the panel’s outer layer starts separating
- Hot spots, which are burn marks from uneven electrical currents.
- Other defects that show up, like cracks, frame warping, or faulty junction boxes
If you suspect a defect, the manufacturer will typically ask for proof before approving a claim. They may request photos, a description of the problem, and, in some cases, an inspection by a technician.
Once they confirm the defect, they’ll then offer a replacement panel or a repair service usually at no cost. Some manufacturers might also cover labor costs, but this varies by warranty terms.
Performance Warranty
The other type of warranty that comes from purchasing your solar panels is the performance warranty. This protects you if your panels produce less energy than they should based on the manufacturer’s guaranteed performance over time.
For context, most manufacturers expect a 0.5% to 0.8% degradation rate per year, which means that after 25 years (i.e. the typical solar panel lifespan), your panels should still produce energy at roughly 80 to 90% of their original capacity.
If your system underperforms beyond the expected rate, they’ll typically repair or replace (whichever applies) the affected panels.
Bear in mind that a performance warranty does not apply if your panels are simply not producing at full wattage on a given day – that’s a different story. Energy output fluctuates due to factors like weather, shading, and time of day, which aren’t considered material- or workmanship-related problems.
Installation / Workmanship Warranty
A solar installation warranty, also called a workmanship warranty, is different from product and performance warranties. Instead of covering the panels themselves, this warranty protects you from faults or defects in the installation process, such as:
- Loose or misaligned panels, which reduce production efficiency
- Faulty wiring, which may cause electric failures (and in rare cases, solar panel fires)
- Leaks around the mounting points, which can happen if the installer didn’t properly seal the penetrations in your roof (especially on asphalt or corrugated metal roofs)
That said, this protection is provided by the professional solar installer who sets up your system (just as we do at Avail Solar) and not your solar panel manufacturer.
That also means, if you install your solar panels yourself, you won’t have this type of protection, and any installation mistakes or damage will be your responsibility.
Fortunately, many states, cities, and HOAs require professional installation as part of the permitting process to meet safety and building standards. So, if this applies to you, your system will indeed come with a workmanship warranty.
What Issues are NOT Covered by Solar Panel Warranties?
From my own observations, these are some of the most common issues that solar warranties don’t cover:
- A guarantee of a specific energy output: Your solar panel’s actual production depends on factors like weather, shading, and system maintenance, so manufacturers don’t promise a fixed amount of electricity generation.
- Damage from extreme weather or unexpected events: This includes hail, hurricanes, floods, accidental breakage, and theft, among many others. Your homeowner’s insurance might cover this instead.
- Routine maintenance: Keeping your system in shape, such as cleaning panels or checking electrical connections, is your responsibility. However, if you have a professional installer handling the job, some (like us) include maintenance as part of their post-sales service.
There are also some gray areas where coverage depends on the manufacturer:
- Labor costs and truck rolls: Some brands cover full labor costs, including diagnosis, repairs, material replacement, and shipping. Others may only cover diagnosis or material replacement, leaving you to pay for reinstallation. Some even offer full coverage but with a cap.
- Damage from salt mist exposure: If you live near the coast, salt mist can cause panel corrosion over time. Most modern solar panels are resistant to this, but it’s worth checking whether your warranty explicitly includes or excludes it.
Now, these exclusions generally hold true, but I strongly recommend reading the fine print, as the warranty terms will lay out the specific conditions under which an issue is covered or not. If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your solar provider to clarify.
How Long Do Solar Panel Warranties Last?
Generally speaking, solar panel warranties last for the following periods:
- Product Warranty: 10 to 25 years
- Performance Warranty: 80 to 92% efficiency after 25 years
- Workmanship Warranty: Often 5 to 10 years
However, exact coverage periods depend on the brand/solar company.
To give you an idea, here’s a look at the product and performance warranties offered by some of the top solar panel manufacturers, including those we install at Avail Solar:
| Brand/Manufacturer | Solar Panel Product Warranty | Solar Panel Performance Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| REC | 25 years | 92% at year 25 |
| Hyundai | 25 years | 84.8% at year 25 |
| QCells | 25 years | 90.58% at year 25 |
| Maxeon | 25 years | 92% at year 25 |
| Silfab Solar | 12 years | 90.8% at year 25 |
| VSUN | 40 years | 89.4% at year 25 |
As you can see, some manufacturers, like VSUN, offer a massive 40-year product warranty, while others, like Silfab, provide only 12 years – unless you use a Silfab-certified installer, in which case the warranty extends to 25 years.
Again, as boring as it might be, those little asterisks in the fine print matter. Warranty terms spell out exactly what’s covered – and just as with Silfab’s extended warranty for certified installers, small details can make a big difference.
Now, how about workmanship warranties?
As I mentioned, workmanship warranties typically last around 10 years, though this varies by company. Some offer as little as 3 years, while others go beyond the average.
For example, we at Avail Solar offer a 30-year Bumper-to-Bumper Workmanship Warranty, which means full coverage for any installation-related defects.
How to Submit a Solar Panel Warranty Claim
If you notice an issue with your solar system, the first step is to contact your solar installer as soon as possible. They’ll guide you through the next steps, which usually include providing a verbal description of the problem, submitting photos or video evidence, and filling out a warranty claim form.
Alternatively, you can check your manufacturer’s website for contact details and specific claim procedures if you prefer to review the process before reaching out.
Expect that, if necessary, the manufacturer or installer may send a technician to inspect your system and confirm the issue. Once verified, they’ll walk you through the next steps, whether that’s a replacement, repair, or other resolution under the warranty.
If you installed your solar system DIY, you’ll likely need to contact the manufacturer directly.
In this case, they may authorize some claim and, if necessary, they’ll often refer you to a certified technician or a partner service provider for further assessment.
And here’s one thing I always remind solar customers of – and you should definitely keep in mind too: Don’t delay making that claim call. Waiting too long might make the issue worse and lead to additional damage that your warranty won’t cover.
Are There Additional Costs Involved When Claiming a Solar Panel Warranty?
In some cases, yes, there may be additional costs when claiming a solar panel warranty.
These typically revolve around labor and service fees, particularly for troubleshooting, truck rolls (the cost of sending a technician to your home), and reinstalling replacement equipment.
That said, it’s hard to pin down an exact number for these costs. Rates vary depending on your solar installer’s pricing structure, the extent of the repair work, and truck roll fees, which fluctuate based on distance.
Because of this, I’d say this is one of the top questions to ask a solar company before committing. This will help you avoid unexpected costs down the road.
What Can Void a Solar Panel Warranty?
Aside from the issues that aren’t covered under warranty, certain actions may void your solar panel warranty altogether. Here are some examples:
- Failure to register the warranty (some manufacturers require you to register your warranty within a certain timeframe after installation)
- DIY installation
- Unauthorized modifications of solar components (e.g. adding unauthorized third-party hardware, system tampering, etc.)
- Removing or relocating panels
- Transferring ownership (if the terms specify it)
What Happens to My Warranty if My Solar Company Goes Out of Business?
If your solar company (i.e. solar installer) goes out of business, your manufacturer warranties – product and performance – will still be valid. Since these warranties come directly from the manufacturer, not the installer, you’ll be dealing with the manufacturer directly for any claims.
However, your workmanship warranty disappears with the installer.
If any installation-related issues arise, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for repairs that would have otherwise been covered. Some manufacturers may refer you to one of their certified partners, but labor costs will be your responsibility.
In some cases, if a new company buys out your original solar installer, they might choose to honor existing workmanship warranties – but this isn’t always a guarantee as it depends entirely on the new management.
That means, if they don’t assume warranty obligations, you’ll remain responsible for any future repair costs.
Can I Transfer My Solar Panel Warranty?
If you’re moving and selling your home with solar panels, you might be wondering whether your solar panel warranty can be transferred to the new homeowner.
For most brands (including those we install at Avail Solar), the answer is yes. However, the process of transferring the warranty varies depending on the manufacturer.
Some warranties transfer automatically (meaning no action is needed as long as the system stays in place), while others require paperwork, proof of ownership transfer, and sometimes a processing fee. So, be sure to check with your solar installer or manufacturer.
Wrapping Up on Warranties for Solar Panels
By now, you know better what solar panel warranties cover, what can void them, and how long warranty periods last. That said, warranties are a crucial factor in choosing the right solar brand and installer, especially when you recall how coverage varies between manufacturers.
If you’re looking for a reputable solar company to trust with your home solar system, consider working with us at Avail Solar. We don’t just install solar – we stand by our work with a 30-year end-to-end warranty. More importantly, we design systems that can significantly cut your electric bills and turn those costs into long-term savings.
Request a quote today – or if you’d like to learn more about our warranties, call us to speak directly with one of our solar experts!