Solar panel warranties: What to look for
Did you know there are two warranties on your solar panels?
This means it can be easy to get the two confused, or even to be misinformed by a supplier or salesperson.
Here we explain what these two warranties are, and what you should look out for to ensure you choose the solar panels with the best warranties.
Solar panel performance warranty
A solar panel’s performance warranty (also sometimes referred to as the linear performance/power warranty) protects you if your panels’ performance degrades faster than it should over a 25-year period.
It is accepted that all solar panels will produce slightly less power each year after installation as cells in even the most robust panels experience some inevitable deterioration, mostly from weather. However, performance should not be affected by more than what is stated in the performance warranty.
This warranty is usually fairly standard across manufacturers, generally allowing for 2-3% degradation in the first year and 0.7% or less for each year after.
But it’s the “25 years” that is frequently confused with product warranties – this is where you need to be careful! A 25-year performance warranty is standard. A 25-year product warranty is not. Don’t get caught out thinking you’re getting a 25-year product warranty when you’re actually getting a standard performance warranty.
Solar panel product warranty
The solar panel product warranty is arguably the most important of the two warranties, protecting you against faulty modules.
Standard product warranties are around 10 to 15 years. Ideally, you want to go for panels which have the industry-leading 25-year product warranty. This is a sure sign of the panels’ quality and the confidence the manufacturer has in the durability of its panels.
All panels should have detailed information on their warranties available on the manufacturer’s website. Do you own research to check what’s really being offered, and you’re guaranteed to get top quality panels that will last the distance and provide you with the maximum output for years to come!
Did you know… Risen Energy panels lead the industry with a 25-year product warranty? To find out which installers supply Risen panels, contact us today.
Learn more about how to choose the best solar panels here.