Solar Warranty
A solar warranty ensures that your equipment performs as promised for many years by protecting your solar system against flaws, performance difficulties, and installation issues.
What is a solar warranty?
A solar warranty is a guarantee that safeguards the homeowner against flaws, performance difficulties, or installation concerns. If the solar panels, inverter, or other system components malfunction or don't function as promised, it specifies what will be fixed, replaced, or covered.
Typically, a full solar warranty consists of: Product Warranty, Performance Warranty, and Workmanship Warranty.
What are the types of solar warranties?
Three primary warranties are typically included with solar energy systems:
Product Warranty: Covers solar panel premature breakdowns, component failures, and manufacturing flaws.
Performance Warranty: Ensures that over time, panels will deliver a minimum proportion of their specified power output, typically 80–92% after 25–30 years.
Workmanship Warranty: Provided by installers, it addresses problems like wiring defects, roof leaks, or mounting issues caused by incorrect installation. Depending on the installer and manufacturer, some systems may also come with warranties for inverters, batteries, and roof penetration.
What are the Benefits of a Solar Warranty?
Homeowners can feel secure knowing that their investment is safeguarded for decades with a solar warranty. It guarantees:
Repairs are either free or inexpensive if a system component fails.
Power generation is guaranteed, avoiding energy loss and unforeseen electricity costs.
Long-term cost reductions because manufacturers pay for maintenance and replacements.
Protection against installation errors, guaranteeing the system's safe operation.
Increased resale value because a warranty guarantees system dependability to the subsequent homeowner and is transferable.
What is the standard duration of a solar warranty in Arizona?
In Arizona, solar panel warranties follow national standards:
Product Warranty: 10–25 years
Performance Warranty: 25–30 years
Inverter Warranty: 10–15 years (can be extended)
Workmanship Warranty: 5–25 years, depending on the installer
Arizona does not mandate minimum warranty lengths, but top installers typically match industry standards.
What is not covered under a standard warranty?
The majority of warranties do not include:
Damage resulting from natural disasters, such as hailstorms, lightning, and floods.
Damage caused by unauthorized repairs, tampering, or poor upkeep.
Problems brought on by rodents, birds, or pests.
Cosmetic flaws that have no bearing on panel function.
Typical deterioration that exceeds the performance warranty's promises.
Shading issues, external electrical faults, or roof structure failures unrelated to the installation.
Struggling with uncovered damages like pests or wear? We handle maintenance, bird-proofing, and warranty claims to protect your investment. Contact Sunny Energy RX for support.
What Can Void a Solar Panel Warranty?
A warranty could be void if
Unauthorized workers alter or fix panels.
Without the manufacturer's consent, the system is relocated or moved.
Homeowners employ aggressive cleaning techniques or unapproved cleaning supplies.
Panels sustain damage as a result of intentional overuse or neglected maintenance.
Without expert advice, electrical modifications are made that affect the solar array.
How to claim Solar Warranty?
To make a warranty claim, do the following:
Use images, monitoring screenshots, or error messages to record the problem.
Since your installer typically handles warranty claims with manufacturers, get in touch with them first.
Use the panel model and serial number to get in touch with the manufacturer directly if the installer is not available.
Provide installation information, proof of purchase, and other necessary paperwork.
The defective component will then be inspected, approved, and either repaired, replaced, or compensated for by the manufacturer or installer.
Tip- Always keep your solar purchase agreement and installation paperwork in a secure location to expedite any future claims
What is the solar law in Arizona?The key law is the Arizona Solar Rights Act, which states that HOAs cannot prohibit homeowners from installing solar panels. They may impose reasonable design guidelines, but they cannot restrict installation in a way that reduces system efficiency or increases costs. Additionally, Arizona supports policies like net metering alternatives, requiring utilities to offer credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. |
Conclusion
Solar warranties guarantee that your solar panels, inverters, and related parts will continue to function safely and effectively for decades by covering equipment flaws, installation mistakes, and long-term performance. You can prevent unforeseen expenses and preserve the dependability of your system by being aware of the various kinds of warranties, what they cover, and what could void them.
A well-structured warranty offers long-term financial stability and peace of mind, whether you're planning for long-term system performance, filing a claim, or examining your installer's workmanship terms. Homeowners may invest with confidence knowing that their system is safeguarded, supported, and long-lasting thanks to Arizona's robust solar rights laws and incentives.
Key Takeaways
Homeowners are protected from long-term performance problems, installation mistakes, and product flaws by a solar warranty.
Three primary warranties are usually included with solar systems: a product warranty, a performance warranty, and a workmanship/labor warranty.
Depending on the installation, Arizona solar warranties typically include 10–25 years for equipment, 25–30 years for performance, and 5–25 years for labor.
If the system is moved, modified, poorly cleaned, or maintained by unapproved personnel, warranties may be void.
Homeowners should record the problem, get in touch with their installer, or contact the manufacturer with system specifications and proof of purchase in order to make a warranty claim.
Despite HOA regulations, homeowners' ability to install solar panels is protected by Arizona's Solar Rights Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Workmanship Warranty?
A workmanship guarantee covers installation-related issues such as wiring flaws, roof penetrations, mounting problems, and mistakes in system assembly. The installer is responsible for fixing any leaks, loose panels, or electrical issues caused by faulty installation.
How does a Performance Warranty differ from a Product Warranty?
A product warranty covers physical issues such as broken glass, defective diodes, and manufacturing flaws. Even though all solar panels eventually lose efficiency, a performance warranty ensures long-term energy output by guaranteeing that panels won't deteriorate below a certain percentage during a 25–30 year period.
How long is a solar warranty?
In Arizona, a standard solar warranty has a 25-year performance warranty and a 10- to 25-year equipment and workmanship warranty. Although it varies by company, Arizona solar warranties typically cover defects, performance declines, and installation problems.
How long do solar panels actually last in Arizona?
Even in Arizona's intense heat, most panels last 25 to 30 years. When properly maintained, they can continue to produce 70–90% of their initial output for decades, typically exceeding the original solar warranty in Arizona.
Will cleaning solar panels void the warranty?
No. Cleaning does not void a solar warranty in Arizona as long as you follow proper procedures. Avoid high-pressure washing, harsh cleaners, and stepping on panels, because these actions can cause damage that the warranty does not cover.
What coverage is provided for Inverters and Batteries?
Manufacturers typically provide inverter warranties that last 10–12 years, and you can extend them to 20–25 years. 10-year performance warranties are common for batteries. These safeguards, which cover cycles, capacity retention, and manufacturing flaws, can be different from Arizona's primary solar guarantee.
Do solar panels need maintenance to keep the warranty valid?
Indeed. The majority of Arizona solar warranty contracts call for routine upkeep such as cleaning, system performance monitoring, and making sure there is no physical damage. You may void parts of the warranty if you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What happens to the system after 25 years?
Panels continue to generate electricity after 25 years; however, their efficiency has decreased. Many systems in Arizona continue to function dependably even after the normal solar warranty expires, though homeowners may decide to upgrade to newer technology or better output.
What is the "2-year legal warranty" requirement?
Installers must provide a minimum 2-year craftsmanship warranty in Arizona. This ensures protection against installation mistakes or early system failures and covers labor-related concerns apart from the manufacturer's solar guarantee in Arizona.
How do Tax Credits and Depreciation act as financial guarantees?
In Arizona, federal tax subsidies and company depreciation serve as financial safeguards by lowering lifetime ownership costs and boosting system payback, but they do not substitute a solar warranty.
Is it worth replacing 10-year-old solar panels?
No. Most solar panels continue operating at over 90% efficiency even after ten years, and manufacturers still cover them under performance guarantees, including Arizona’s robust solar warranty. Upgrading to considerably more efficient technology is the only way that replacement is advantageous.
