Understanding Solar Power Warranties
Solar power is gaining popularity the world over as the cost of both producing, and installing solar panels is declining rapidly. While the price tag on a solar power installation is only a 10th of what it used to be in the early 1990s, they are still a big investment for most home owners, as most installations cost $15,000 - $45,000 in the US, making warranties provided that much more important.
No doubt bank loans and subsidies by the government can remove many of the financial hassles. However, since this is an investment in costly hardware which will pay itself back over a period of decades, you will want to know what kind of warranties you are entitled to, and how long they typically last.
Types of solar power warranties
A solar power system is essentially made up of solar panels, which consist of photovoltaic cells for collecting light and harvesting usable energy from it, batteries which are used to store the energy and inverters which convert the variable DC (Direct Current) electricity from the solar panels into utility grade AC (Alternating Current) power.
Each of these components has a different lifespan, and so will come with a different warranty. Let’s take a look at each of these individually:
Solar panels
Consist of a number of photovoltaic cells which make harnessing solar power possible. Photovoltaic cells use the distinct properties of silicon to convert light from sun into usable electricity.
As solar panels have no moving parts, they are the least likely component to incur damages, and thus have a reasonably long life expectancy, usually 25 years or more.
Most solar panels will come with warranties of 10 to 25 years. This is also known as a performance guarantee in which the manufacturer will repair a solar panel, or offer replacement if its power output /efficiency drops below expected levels.
For example, if a manufacturer claims their solar panel’s power output will be no less than 95% of their Minimum Peak Power rating for the first 5 years, declining by no more than 0.5% every year for the following 20 years, then said manufacturer will be responsible for repairing, or replacing panels which fail to deliver on these counts.
Longer warranty periods are a good indication of product quality. Manufacturers who are offering warranties spanning 20 years or more generally use higher quality solar cells, and employ sophisticated, vertically integrated manufacturing processes. Their products no doubt command a higher price tag, but the assurance of a longer, trouble free lifespan is definitely worth the additional investment.
Also noteworthy is that most solar panel warranties do not cover damage by hail, wind, thunderstorms, or accidents, however your home owner insurance can. If you live in an area prone to unruly weather, then speak to your insurance agent for more information on how you can get your solar panels insured.
Solar power batteries
Standalone or hybrid solar power systems come with dedicated batteries in order to store excess energy. These will typically have warranties of 5 to 10 years attached with them, all though the batteries themselves can last over 15 years, provided they do not have any manufacturing defects, and are well looked after.
Batteries can be pretty maintenance intensive. Most off-grid solar power systems have lead-acid batteries with them and require regular maintenance if their full lifespan is to be realized.
Solar power inverters
Inverters are the most expensive part of a solar power system after the panels, and also the most likely to fail, which is why you need to be doubly sure that there is adequate warranty backing them.
Do not go cheap on the inverter either. So much attention is paid to solar panels and their efficiency that most people end up thinking they are all that matter.
Fact is the inverter is every bit as important as the solar panels so it is critically important to get one from a reputed manufacturer. While this will mean paying a premium, like in the case of solar panels, it is an investment in longevity and peace of mind. Getting an inverter repaired, or replaced can be quite costly.
Typical solar power inverter warranties range from 5 to 10 years. High quality manufacturers usually provide the latter.
Solar installer parts and labor warranty
In addition to the warranties that are provided by manufacturers, your installer will also give you a parts and labor warranty. In most cases, this will be for about 2 years covering any miscellaneous parts and installation issues. Reputed installers can also provide warranties up to 10 years.
Some questions to ask your installer
Before signing on the dotted line, you might consider asking these questions (and more if you have them) so that there are no unexpected surprised waiting for you down the line:
Final thoughts
Most solar power systems are built to last and they do that pretty well. As long as the manufacturers are using high quality material, you can be rest assured that their product will run for as long as it is claimed. The more common threats to exposed equipment such as solar panels come from weather, but they are also subjected to rigorous testing against the elements.
For instance, one of the more common dangers to solar panels is hail, which can crack the glass and damage the solar cells. However, many solar panels in the US are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified meaning they have gone through Ice Sphere Impact Testing of Photovoltaic Solar Panels. These tests use steel balls dropped at a ninety degree angle onto a solar panel many times over to determine if they can withstand impact from hail.
Similarly, most states require solar panels to be tested against wind speeds of 141 mph. Some manufacturers such as Suniva will go the extra mile testing them against 245 mph winds.
These tests are more than enough to guarantee that the equipment will last long. However, if the installer you are going with does a poor job putting them up, then chances are that your equipment might get damaged. Make sure you do a thorough background check on installers besides considering their bids.
No doubt bank loans and subsidies by the government can remove many of the financial hassles. However, since this is an investment in costly hardware which will pay itself back over a period of decades, you will want to know what kind of warranties you are entitled to, and how long they typically last.
Types of solar power warranties
A solar power system is essentially made up of solar panels, which consist of photovoltaic cells for collecting light and harvesting usable energy from it, batteries which are used to store the energy and inverters which convert the variable DC (Direct Current) electricity from the solar panels into utility grade AC (Alternating Current) power.
Each of these components has a different lifespan, and so will come with a different warranty. Let’s take a look at each of these individually:
Solar panels
Consist of a number of photovoltaic cells which make harnessing solar power possible. Photovoltaic cells use the distinct properties of silicon to convert light from sun into usable electricity.
As solar panels have no moving parts, they are the least likely component to incur damages, and thus have a reasonably long life expectancy, usually 25 years or more.
Most solar panels will come with warranties of 10 to 25 years. This is also known as a performance guarantee in which the manufacturer will repair a solar panel, or offer replacement if its power output /efficiency drops below expected levels.
For example, if a manufacturer claims their solar panel’s power output will be no less than 95% of their Minimum Peak Power rating for the first 5 years, declining by no more than 0.5% every year for the following 20 years, then said manufacturer will be responsible for repairing, or replacing panels which fail to deliver on these counts.
Longer warranty periods are a good indication of product quality. Manufacturers who are offering warranties spanning 20 years or more generally use higher quality solar cells, and employ sophisticated, vertically integrated manufacturing processes. Their products no doubt command a higher price tag, but the assurance of a longer, trouble free lifespan is definitely worth the additional investment.
Also noteworthy is that most solar panel warranties do not cover damage by hail, wind, thunderstorms, or accidents, however your home owner insurance can. If you live in an area prone to unruly weather, then speak to your insurance agent for more information on how you can get your solar panels insured.
Solar power batteries
Standalone or hybrid solar power systems come with dedicated batteries in order to store excess energy. These will typically have warranties of 5 to 10 years attached with them, all though the batteries themselves can last over 15 years, provided they do not have any manufacturing defects, and are well looked after.
Batteries can be pretty maintenance intensive. Most off-grid solar power systems have lead-acid batteries with them and require regular maintenance if their full lifespan is to be realized.
Solar power inverters
Inverters are the most expensive part of a solar power system after the panels, and also the most likely to fail, which is why you need to be doubly sure that there is adequate warranty backing them.
Do not go cheap on the inverter either. So much attention is paid to solar panels and their efficiency that most people end up thinking they are all that matter.
Fact is the inverter is every bit as important as the solar panels so it is critically important to get one from a reputed manufacturer. While this will mean paying a premium, like in the case of solar panels, it is an investment in longevity and peace of mind. Getting an inverter repaired, or replaced can be quite costly.
Typical solar power inverter warranties range from 5 to 10 years. High quality manufacturers usually provide the latter.
Solar installer parts and labor warranty
In addition to the warranties that are provided by manufacturers, your installer will also give you a parts and labor warranty. In most cases, this will be for about 2 years covering any miscellaneous parts and installation issues. Reputed installers can also provide warranties up to 10 years.
Some questions to ask your installer
Before signing on the dotted line, you might consider asking these questions (and more if you have them) so that there are no unexpected surprised waiting for you down the line:
- Is the parts and labor warranty provided by the solar system installer included in the bid, or does it come later?
- Who will be responsible for filing the warranty paperwork with the manufacturer?
- Who will be responsible for enforcing the terms of the warranty should something go wrong?
- Who should you approach if the dealer, installer or manufacturer goes out of business?
- Will the warranty cover costs associated with removal, shipping, repairing and/or re-installation?
Final thoughts
Most solar power systems are built to last and they do that pretty well. As long as the manufacturers are using high quality material, you can be rest assured that their product will run for as long as it is claimed. The more common threats to exposed equipment such as solar panels come from weather, but they are also subjected to rigorous testing against the elements.
For instance, one of the more common dangers to solar panels is hail, which can crack the glass and damage the solar cells. However, many solar panels in the US are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified meaning they have gone through Ice Sphere Impact Testing of Photovoltaic Solar Panels. These tests use steel balls dropped at a ninety degree angle onto a solar panel many times over to determine if they can withstand impact from hail.
Similarly, most states require solar panels to be tested against wind speeds of 141 mph. Some manufacturers such as Suniva will go the extra mile testing them against 245 mph winds.
These tests are more than enough to guarantee that the equipment will last long. However, if the installer you are going with does a poor job putting them up, then chances are that your equipment might get damaged. Make sure you do a thorough background check on installers besides considering their bids.