Solar Panel Warranties: What You Need to Know

Switching to solar energy usage is certainly a smart move for both your wallet and the environment. But to effectively protect your overall investment in solar panels, understanding the warranties must be given equal importance. 

The warranties ensure the system performs efficiently for years, even after covering unexpected issues. 

Starting from product quality to long-term energy output, having warranties gives you peace of mind throughout your solar journey. 

Keep reading as we explore everything you must know about solar panel warranties before starting with the solar panel installation process to stay protected for decades. 

What is a Solar Panel Warranty?

A warranty is a guarantee given by the solar panel installer or manufacturer to their customers. It reflects the fact that the product will work as expected till the mentioned date. Even if the solar panel fails or underperforms during the given warranty time, you can get help or a valuable replacement. 

There are two main warranty types. One is for product or materials, and the other is for overall system performance. The product warranty does cover manufacturing defects. The performance warranty covers how well the panel can produce energy over time. 

Our installation and maintenance experts will explain both these types of warranties beforehand, starting with your installation process. This way, we ensure you understand the overall value and gain clarity from your solar panel warranties.  

Product Warranty vs. Performance Warranty

Product Warranty

This covers up physical defects as found in your panels. If your panel cracks or malfunctions under normal use, then this warranty helps. 

• Other parts of your solar panel system, like inverters, must have 5 years of warranty to timely replace or repair them whenever problems arise in their functionality. This is because inverters play a crucial role in changing sunlight into electricity. 

• Our solar products have 5 years of manufacturer warranty in default. You can also pay extra to extend it up to 7 years.  

We do offer a zero-year warranty on inverters, which means inverters, when found defective or non-functional even after normal use, can be repaired by our experts for a lifetime. 

This kind of extra product warranty coverage will give you a peace of mind during the solar panel installation process. 

Performance Warranty

Performance warranty guarantees output over decades. It promises the panels will never fail when used below a certain efficiency. 

• Always look for a 30-year performance warranty from the manufacturer to enjoy reliable performance that can uphold your investment for years. Knowing your system will produce reliable power for years is critical. 

Over 30 years of usage, even small energy loss does matter. We ensure your panels meet with the promised output levels, given the manufacturer’s 30-year performance warranty. This way, you will benefit from long-term power output assurances without any confusion. 

Maintenance and Warranty Claims

Warranties most often require following proper care. This includes regular cleaning and upkeep. Letting shade or dirt build on the panels may void coverage. Follow a regular check-up routine to avoid facing any kind of warranty claim-related problems. 

• We make your warranty claim process easy by providing free preventive maintenance service for every four months of the first five years of panel installation. 

• Our experts will be at your doorstep, given your request to check with the system’s efficiency at no cost. This ensures the system remains healthy and warranty-compliant. 

Our team will inspect panels, check wiring, clean bird droppings, and tune overall performance. Such maintenance services done under our expert supervision will protect your warranty and meet with your respective energy output needs as well. 

Manufacturer Warranty vs. Company Warranty

It’s better to understand who is responsible under different warranties. Inverter and panel makers handle defects under their warranties. If any manufacturer defect is found, then our experts will handle it based on cost and manufacturer’s solar energy warranty terms. If there is any installation or service issue, then our experts are ready to provide reliable help directly. 

How Warranty Claims Work

If something goes wrong with your solar panel system, follow these steps:

1. Contact the solar panel installer or warranty support line.
2. Convey your system serial numbers along with proof of purchase.
3. Schedule an in-person inspection.

The provider will further determine the issue and cover potential repairs or replacements.

Our maintenance expert team is here to help you throughout the warranty claim process. We make sure your paperwork is done right and possible claims are done as a fast and smooth process. 

Transferability of Warranties

If you are planning to sell your property, then keep in mind rooftop solar warranties will be transferred to the new owner as well. Inverters and panels usually get this type of benefit. You need to fill out a transfer form with the manufacturer. 

We do help in the warranty transferring process and ensure the new homeowner inherits full warranty coverage. Following this process, other than scrapping the panels, can boost up your property’s appeal. 

Common Warranty Exclusions

Warranties do have a set of limits. They do not usually cover:

• Damage from natural disasters like floods, lightning, hailstones.
• Unauthorized repairs or modifications.
• Neglecting regular maintenance or improper maintenance

Our experts will clarify all warranty exclusions before starting with the installation process. They will help you protect against potential risk through proper care and insurance planning. 

What to Do When Warranties Expire

Solar panels come with a solar panel product warranty and solar solar panel performance warranty that usually lasts up to 25 to 30 years. Planning ahead before the warranty period ensures in extending the lifespan and performance of your panels. 

Steps to Take After Warranty Expiry

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Once warranties end, scheduling regular check-ups becomes a must to maintain overall system health:

• Clean panels once every three to six months.
• Inspect wiring and connections.
• Test inverter output.
• Monitor energy production levels. 

Regular maintenance prevents minor issues from turning into costly problems. 

2. Replace Aging Components 

Some parts might require replacement once the warranties expire:

• Inverters (typically after ten to fifteen years).
• Monitoring systems.

3. Enroll in Service Plans

Check out and opt for post-warranty service plans as offered by the solar panel installer. These services include preventive maintenance, periodic inspections, and discounted repair services to let your system run efficiently. 

We offer regular maintenance and post-warranty service plans that you can wisely opt for to prolong the performance and efficiency of your solar panel system. 

FAQ

1. Can I claim for inverter failure?

Yes. During the first five to seven years, manufacturers supply a replacement. At Elsol, we do provide same-day support from the day installation has been done by our experts. 

2. Do I need proof of maintenance?

Yes. Always keep service records and reports available. We do maintain a digital log of every preventive visit to support your possible claims with the manufacturer.

3. Can I extend warranties later?

You can extend the inverter warranty while you get them first hand. We do advise on possible maintenance services and warranty-period benefits to make your claim decisions bring in the best value. 

Conclusion

From installation to regular maintenance, every single step matters the most to maintain the system’s health for years. A strong solar energy warranty protects your overall investment and ensures the panels continue delivering power. 

At Elsol, the most trusted solar company in Kerala, we provide complete guidance on performance, warranties, and system care. 

Recognized as the leading solar panel installers, our experts ensure your rooftop solar system runs smoothly with reliable warranty given under both manufacturer and from us. We are one phone call away to clear your warranty-related queries.