Introduction
Investing in solar panels for your home is a significant decision that promises long-term benefits in terms of energy savings and environmental impact. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the warranty that comes with your solar panels. Understanding the different types of warranties and what they cover is essential to make an informed decision and ensure your investment is protected.
Types of Solar Panel Warranties
There are typically three main types of warranties that come with solar panels: performance warranties, product (or materials) warranties, and workmanship warranties. Each of these warranties covers different aspects of your solar system and provides varying levels of protection.
1. Performance Warranty
A performance warranty guarantees that your solar panels will produce a certain amount of electricity over a specified period, usually 25 years. This warranty ensures that the panels will not degrade beyond a certain percentage of their initial efficiency.
- Typical Coverage: Solar panels should produce 90% of their original output for the first 10 years and 80% for the remaining 15 years.
- Importance: This warranty protects you from a significant drop in energy production, ensuring that your panels will generate sufficient electricity to meet your needs for many years.
2. Product (Materials) Warranty
A product warranty, also known as a materials warranty, covers the physical integrity of the solar panels. This includes defects in materials or workmanship that might affect the panel’s performance.
- Typical Coverage: Most product warranties last between 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer.
- Importance: This warranty covers manufacturing defects and issues like premature wear and tear, ensuring that your panels are built to last.
3. Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation process. This warranty is provided by the installer and ensures that the installation is carried out correctly and safely.
- Typical Coverage: The duration can vary widely, from 1 to 10 years. With Blue Electrics, all workmanship warranties are 10 years and are backed by the IWA (Insurance Backed Guarantee), offering an additional layer of security.
- Importance: This warranty is crucial because improper installation can lead to a host of problems, including system failures and roof leaks. The IWA backing ensures that your warranty remains valid even if the installer ceases trading.
Key Considerations When Evaluating Warranties
When comparing solar panel warranties, there are several factors homeowners should consider to ensure they are getting the best protection for their investment.
Duration
The length of the warranty is a critical factor. Longer warranties often indicate greater confidence from the manufacturer or installer in their product or service.
Transferability
Check if the warranty is transferable to a new owner if you decide to sell your home. Transferable warranties can add value to your property and provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
Claim Process
Understand the process for making a warranty claim. This includes knowing who to contact, what documentation is required, and how quickly issues will be resolved.
Exclusions
Every warranty will have exclusions. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what is not covered, such as damage caused by natural disasters, improper maintenance, or unauthorised repairs.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of solar panel warranties and what they cover is essential for homeowners considering a solar investment. Performance warranties ensure long-term energy production, product warranties protect against manufacturing defects, and workmanship warranties guarantee quality installation. By carefully evaluating these warranties and considering factors like duration, transferability, claim processes, and exclusions, homeowners can make informed decisions and safeguard their solar investments.
For further information and expert advice on solar panel warranties and installations, feel free to contact us at Blue Electrics. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your journey to sustainable energy.
