Georgia Solar Panel Warranty Claims Attorneys

Solar panels can be a major investment for Georgia homeowners. Many people install them to lower energy costs, increase energy independence, or add long-term value to their home. When the panels work as promised, the benefits can be meaningful.

However, when solar panels fail, underperform, or cause problems after installation, homeowners can quickly become frustrated. A warranty claim should lead to a timely repair, replacement, or another covered resolution. Unfortunately, some homeowners face delays, denials, poor communication, or confusion about who is responsible.

If you are dealing with problems involving a solar panel warranty claim, the attorneys at Thrift McLemore can help you understand your options and determine the best next step.

Are There Different Types of Solar Panel Warranties?

While the long-term reduction in energy bills can be tremendously beneficial, the initial cost of installing solar panels can be costly. Given the significant financial investment involved, one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing solar panels is the warranty you receive. You may receive two types of warranties when buying solar panels: a product warranty and a performance warranty.

Product Warranties

A product warranty typically guarantees the workmanship and materials involved in the installation of solar panels. Defects in the manufacture or installation of the panels would be covered under the product warranty. Although the details of product warranties can vary widely, most solar panels offer a manufacturer’s warranty of around 20 years.

The other portion of the product warranty, usually referred to as the “installation warranty,” covers mistakes made during panel installation and may expire much sooner than the manufacturer’s warranty.

Performance Warranties

The performance warranty guarantees the power output over time. This type of warranty usually includes a guaranteed “degradation” rate as well as a guaranteed power output. The degradation rate ensures that the energy output will not “degrade” by more than a specified percentage each year, while the power output portion guarantees that the panels will produce a minimum amount of power/electricity. For example, a warranty might guarantee a maximum degradation rate of 0.25% per year and a minimum power production of 90% at the 15-year mark.

Common Reasons for Solar Panel Warranty Claims

If something goes wrong with your solar panels after installation, you may need to file a warranty claim. Common reasons for filing a claim include:

• Improperly installed panels
• Defective panels
• Problematic wiring
• Insufficient energy output
• Unusual decrease in energy output

Some issues appear right away. Others develop months or years after installation. Either way, the warranty terms, contract language, claim history, and company response can all affect your options.

What Should You Do Before Filing a Solar Panel Warranty Claim?

Before filing a claim, review your warranty documents to determine which warranty applies and when each expires. Pay close attention to any exclusions within the warranty protection. If the problem you are experiencing is covered by an active warranty, the company that installed or manufactured your solar panels should promptly repair or replace them.

If you encounter problems or fraud during the warranty claims process, contact an experienced Georgia solar panel warranty claims attorney right away.