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, averaging around $12,000 for a single-family home. Given the significant financial investment involved, one of the most important things to pay close attention to when purchasing solar panels is the warranty you receive. You may receive two types of warranty when buying solar panels, including a product warranty and a performance warranty.

A product warranty typically guarantees the workmanship and materials involved in the installation of solar panels. Defects in the manufacture of the panels or the installation of the panels would be covered in 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 the installation of the panels and may expire much sooner than the manufacturer’s warranty.

The performance warranty that you receive when you purchase solar panels 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 promises that the energy output will not “degrade” more than a specified percentage each year, while the power output portion will guarantee that the panels will produce a minimum amount of power/electricity. For example, a warranty might guarantee a maximum degradation rate of 0.25 percent per year and a minimum of 90 percent power production at the 15-year mark.

Solar Panel Warranty Claims

If something goes wrong with your solar panels after they are installed, 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.

Before filing a claim, be sure to look over your warranty documents to determine what type of warranty you have and when each warranty expires. Also, 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 repair or replace them promptly. If you encounter problems during the warranty claims process or suspect solar panel fraud, contact an experienced Georgia solar panel attorney right away.

Speak to an Experienced Georgia Solar Panel Warranty Claims Attorney Today

If you need help with a solar panel warranty claim, contact an experienced Georgia solar panel attorney to discuss how we can help you by calling 678-882-0830.