Understanding Solar Warranties: What’s Really Covered?

Investing in solar is a big decision, and one of the most important aspects to consider is the warranty. Solar companies often advertise long warranties, but what’s really covered? Understanding the details can help you avoid unexpected costs if something goes wrong. At Solar GuidePro, we educate consumers so they can make informed decisions and avoid surprises down the road. Let’s break down what solar warranties typically include—and what they don’t.

2/11/20252 min read

The Two Main Types of Solar Warranties

Manufacturer Warranties (Covers Equipment)
Installer Warranties (Covers Workmanship & Labor)

1. Manufacturer Warranties: Protecting Your Equipment

Manufacturer warranties cover the solar panels, inverters, and other system components against defects or failures. These warranties typically include:

✅ Panel Performance Warranty – Ensures your solar panels will produce a minimum amount of energy over time (usually 80–90% of their original output after 25 years).
✅ Panel Product Warranty – Covers defects or premature failures (usually 10–25 years).
✅ Inverter Warranty – Typically 10–15 years, but can be extended depending on the brand.
✅ Battery Warranty (if applicable) – Covers storage capacity, often for 10 years or a certain number of charge cycles.

🔹 What’s NOT covered? While the manufacturer will replace defective equipment under warranty, they do not cover labor costs to remove and replace the faulty part after the initial workmanship warranty expires.

2. Installer Warranties: Workmanship & Labor

The solar company that installs your system should also offer a workmanship warranty, which covers:

✅ Installation defects – Protection against poor wiring, leaks from roof penetrations, or faulty system setup.
✅ Labor for repairs – Covers the cost of removing and reinstalling defective parts (but only for a limited time).

🔹 What’s NOT covered? Many installer warranties are only valid for 1 to 10 years, meaning that if your inverter or panel fails after that period, you may be responsible for the labor costs of replacing it—even if the part itself is still under warranty.

Read the Fine Print: What to Ask Before Signing a Solar Contract

To avoid unexpected expenses, ask your installer these critical questions:

1️⃣ How long is your workmanship warranty?
2️⃣ If a panel or inverter fails under warranty, will I have to pay for labor to replace it?
3️⃣ Do you offer extended labor coverage or service plans after the workmanship warranty expires?
4️⃣ What happens if your company goes out of business? Who services my system then?
5️⃣ Does my warranty transfer if I sell my home?

Be Prepared for Future Service Calls

Many homeowners assume that because their solar panels have a 25-year warranty, they won’t have any additional costs—but that’s not always true. If your inverter fails in year 12 and your installer’s labor warranty expired at year 10, you may be responsible for the labor charges.

To protect yourself:
✔️ Read the warranty terms carefully before signing.
✔️ Ask about extended labor coverage or maintenance plans.
✔️ Keep all warranty documents and installation records in case you need service in the future.

Need Help Understanding Your Warranty?

At Solar GuidePro, we help homeowners review their solar contracts and warranties before they commit. Our goal is to ensure you’re making a fully informed decision with no surprises.

🔹 Have questions about your solar warranty? Contact us today for an independent review!

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