Solar PV system lasts for long time, hence when evaluating photovoltaic (PV) proposals, it’s crucial to understand the warranties. There are two main types of warranties offered for solar PV systems.
- Solar Product Warranties
- Solar Workmanship Warranties
These warranties serve distinct purposes in safeguarding your solar investment.
Solar Product Warranties
Like warranties for consumer electronics, solar product warranties ensure that the manufacturer’s equipment is free from defects for a specified period. However, due to the durability of solar components, these warranties are typically more extensive:
- Panel Optimizers: Warranties range from 12 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. Product manufacturers provide replacement parts for the defective parts at no cost to the owner.
- Solar PV Panels: Standard warranties cover 25 years, with replacement panels for defective panels are provided free of charge by the manufacturer. Notably, many panels continue to function efficiently beyond this period, up to 40 years.
It’s important to note that all solar panels experience gradual degradation, typically around 0.5% annually. Consequently, manufacturers guarantee that panels will operate at 80% or higher efficiency after 25 years.
Solar Workmanship Warranties
While product warranties address equipment-related issues, workmanship warranties cover defects arising from the installation process. This includes:
- Design, assembly, and installation quality
- Rectification of any installation-related defects at no additional cost
The duration of workmanship warranties varies among installers, ranging from no coverage to few years. At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we provide a five-year continuous workmanship warranty.
It’s advisable to select contractors who offer both product and workmanship warranties to ensure comprehensive protection for your solar investment.