The Importance of Solar Warranties

Installing a solar power system is a long-term investment in your home, and a very wise decision. By going solar, Valley of the Sun homeowners can take advantage of more than 300 days of sunshine every year. That’s a lot of solar energy!

Solar panel warranties serve a very important purpose as they protect your investment in renewable solar energy and are an important consideration at the time of a solar installation. There are different types of warranties available, so it’s important to understand the differences between them and their level of protection.

Panel and Inverter Warranties

Solar product warranties protect you from defects arising from production errors or material quality. Almost all manufacturers of the major components of solar panel systems have 10-to-15-year warranties. Product warranties for premium panels can have 20-to-25-year warranties. Solar panel product warranties vary based on the manufacturer and model. Inverter warranties are typically 10 to 12 years.

The product workmanship warranty on solar panels covers any physical defects that stem from manufacturing errors including:

Defective solar cells
Damaged solar cell connections
Faulty connectors
Defective panel back sheets
Loose junction boxes
Imperfections in the solar glass or frame

Defects covered by the product warranty, though rare, generally are apparent before or during solar panel installation and testing. Less visible issues such as faulty wiring, corrosion, and premature wear are covered by the manufacturer. Solar panel failures are quite rare. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that only 0.05% of 10,000 solar panels will fail.

There is also a performance guarantee that the panels will achieve a certain level of production for a specific amount of time without failing. As solar panels are exposed to the elements, they will naturally lose a small percentage of the ability to generate electricity over time. By year 25, a typical solar panel will still operate at 80% to 90% of its first-year power output.

A professionally installed solar system should perform trouble-free for decades. However, solar panel problems do happen on rare occasions. This is the benefit of having a warranty. If there is a bad panel, it can be swapped out quickly and easily—at no cost.

Cool Blew Solar

Evaluating and comparing panel manufacturer’s product warranty coverage is a smart idea when you’re considering the installation of a new solar system. Ask questions and get informed. At Cool Blew Solar, we’re here to answer your questions and strive to offer the best products that deliver the best results for Arizona homeowners. Call us today to learn more at 623-234-2836.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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