Because solar panels are an important and long-term investment for business leaders, they will want to be sure that their investment is protected. Get a warranty for your solar panels.
The risk of equipment failure, damage and underperformance is mitigated by solar warranties. Problems with solar panels are extremely rare, especially when you use solar equipment tested by SunPower. It doesn’t hurt to have documentation to support your claims and to gain the trust of stakeholders for any proposed solar project.
You’ll find a variety of warranties when researching commercial sun-power options. Each warranty has different terms and coverages. There may also be a lot of fine print, which might confuse you about what’s covered. Depending on the company, warranties can have different definitions.
Did you know there are two types of warranties for solar panels? While the options can be confusing, it is important to know the differences between the different solar companies.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the assurances you might receive from your solar system.
- The warranty for solar panels covers defects in artistry or materials. Your product warranty will cover you if a panel suddenly stops functioning after a few months due to a defect in a solder joint.
- Solar panel power warranty – Over time, solar panels will lose their power output. This degradation rate is stated in the warranty documentation. It gives you an idea of the minimum power you can expect for the first 5, 10, and 25 years. Depending on the warranty terms, the manufacturer will either replace, repair, or reimburse you for any panel whose output falls below what was promised.
Third-party research shows SunPower panels are more susceptible to degradation than conventional solar options. 1 We guarantee that your panels will not lose more than 8% over 25 years, compared with 19% for traditional solar.
- Product warranty and combined power: Many manufacturers of solar panels offer both power and product warranties. They provide different periods of coverage. Some offer both power and product warranties within the same time frame. Many solar providers only offer a product warranty covering artistry or manufacturing defects. Their power warranty does not cover any defects. Do a side-by-side comparison of solar panel warranties, paying attention to the wording of product and power sections.
- You might believe that a panel’s warranty covers any damage to its output or performance. However, it is worth looking closer. Panel manufacturers tend to focus on their power warranty. This often seems to guarantee that a panel will work for a longer time than its product warranties. However, many power warranties are not covered by the accompanying product warranties. Example: A panel may not produce the expected power, but it is due to a defect in the product. The manufacturer might refuse to cover the problem under the power warranty. You are out of luck if the warranty does not cover or has expired.
There are many reasons there is so much confusion around commercial solar panels and product warranties. Now that you are familiar with the differences and what you can expect, comparing and contrasting the different types of guarantees will be easier. For additional assistance in this area, it is a good idea for you to consult a solar energy consultant. They can help you understand all the details of warranties. They can also help you compare and contrast how different warranties could affect your organization’s short- and long-term financial future.