Solar Panel Warranties Explained: What’s Actually Covered
A solar warranty isn’t one thing — it’s usually three separate warranties, each covering something different. Here’s how to read them.
Quick answer: A typical solar installation involves three separate warranties: a panel product and performance warranty from the manufacturer (often 25-30 years), an inverter warranty (often 10-25 years depending on type), and a workmanship warranty from your installer covering the installation itself.
Panel warranties: product vs. performance
Panel warranties typically cover two things separately: a product warranty against manufacturing defects, and a performance warranty guaranteeing the panels will still produce above a certain percentage of their original output after a set number of years, since panels naturally degrade slightly over time.
Inverter warranties vary the most
Inverters convert the DC power your panels generate into usable AC power, and warranty length varies significantly by type and brand. Microinverters, installed on each individual panel, commonly carry longer warranties than a single central string inverter, though terms differ by manufacturer.
Workmanship warranty: the one people forget
This is the one that covers the actual installation — things like roof penetrations, mounting, and wiring. It comes from your installer, not the equipment manufacturer, which means it’s only as reliable as the company standing behind it. Ask specifically how long it lasts and what triggers a claim.
Get warranty terms you can actually read and understand
We’ll walk you through exactly what’s covered on your equipment and our own workmanship warranty before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a product warranty and a performance warranty?
A product warranty covers manufacturing defects, while a performance warranty guarantees the panels will still produce above a certain output level after a set number of years.
How long do solar inverter warranties last?
It varies by brand and inverter type, with microinverters commonly carrying longer standard warranties than central string inverters, though this differs by manufacturer.
What does a workmanship warranty cover?
It covers issues related to the installation itself, like mounting or roof penetration problems, separate from equipment defects covered by the manufacturer.
Do solar warranties transfer if I sell my home?
Many manufacturer warranties do transfer to a new homeowner, though it’s worth confirming the specific terms and any transfer process required.