Understanding Solar Energy Warranties

Understanding Solar Energy Warranties

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When you invest in a home solar power array, you’ll want to ensure that your return on investment is going to be covered by a comprehensive warranty. Read on to understand what solar panel warranties cover.

Panel Warranties

Two types of solar panel warranties are standard in the industry—performance warranties and product warranties. Basically, a solar panel performance warranty guarantees a certain level of performance for the duration of the warranty period. A solar panel product warranty provides coverage for any manufacturing defects.

Solar Power Performance Warranty

Solar panel manufacturers guarantee that your panels can produce power for 25 years at a minimum. Every panel type has its own degradation rate. Meaning solar panels have a natural decrease in output production as they age. Most panels have a degradation rate of 0.3% to 1% of their rated wattage each year. For example, a 400W solar panel would be expected to produce 350W of power at the end of its 25-year lifespan. Most warranties guarantee that the solar panels will continue producing 80 to 90% of their rated power output.

Solar Panel Product Warranty

A product warranty guarantees the solar panels workmanship. It covers faulty wiring, premature wear and tear, and any manufacturing defects. Manufacturing defects can include issues with the back sheet, a defective junction box, or reduced power production due to a bad connection or solar cell. This type of warranty can range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer.

The typical lifespan of solar panels is 25 years currently in the United States. After 25 years solar panels are considered to have outlived their useful lifespan according to manufacturers. Yet, that doesn’t mean they’ll stop producing power. Most solar panel systems will continue to operate for years, sometimes even decades past the end of their warrantied lifespan.

Cover It

After solar panel installation, contact your homeowner’s insurance company to see if you may need to have your policy amended. Solar panel installations will increase the value of your home from $10,000 to over $75,000 yet will not cause your property taxes to increase. But, you’ll want to protect your panels in the event of a fire or storm damage in case you need to replace them.

Cool Blew Solar Covers Your Estimate

Warranties can be a bit confusing to understand. Call your locally owned professional solar panel installers at Cool Blew Solar at 623-234-2836 today. We’ll be happy to answer all your solar energy questions and provide you with a free estimate.