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Do solar systems come with warranties?
The warranties discussed here are transferable to new home owners since the warranties apply to the materials and not the original purchaser. However, in order for the warranties to be valid, the materials must have been installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes. There are a few warranties which apply to your solar installation:
- Installer’s warranty – This warrants the workmanship for the installation and is generally 5 years in length. This means that if the installation was done incorrectly or poorly, the installer will correct and amend at no charge to you.
- Racking warranty – Typically 25 years material and workmanship
- Module warranty – Usually 10 years materials and workmanship and 25 year performance
- Inverter warranty – Depends on the inverter type/brand. Anywhere from 10 to 25 years materials and workmanship
As you can see, the installer’s warranty is different than the warranties for system components. If a component (racking, module or inverter) is malfunctioning or defective, the manufacturer will uphold their warranty and send a replacement. Service rates will apply to replace defective components.
Important: Warranties do not cover problems resulting from exposure to harmful materials or chemicals, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, lightning, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, rodents or other Acts of God or causes beyond the control of the installation company.
Note: We’ve come across some installation companies who are offering installer’s warranties lasting 12+ years, but there is little value to them if the companies have not or will not be around long enough to honor these warranties and service the arrays they’ve installed. Moreover, you’ll know within the first month or so if the installation was not installed correctly therefore, a 5 year installer’s warranty in conjunction with the manufacturer warranties, is quite adequate.