Solar panel warranties can be confusing—manufacturers cover panels themselves, installers cover workmanship, and your equipment warranty might not cover weather damage. Knowing what falls under each type of coverage prevents expensive surprises down the road. This guide breaks down exactly what's protected and what you'll pay for out of pocket.
The Three Main Warranty Types
Your solar installation includes three distinct warranties that work independently. It's critical to understand each one because coverage gaps exist between them.
Equipment (Product) Warranty covers the solar panels and inverters against defects. Most panel manufacturers offer 10–12 year equipment warranties, and inverters typically come with 10–15 year coverage. This protects you if a panel stops producing power due to manufacturing faults, not environmental damage.
Workmanship Warranty is provided by your installer and covers installation quality. This typically lasts 5–10 years and covers mistakes like improper wiring, inadequate mounting, or electrical errors. If your system fails because of poor installation rather than equipment failure, workmanship warranty is what pays for repairs.
Performance Warranty (also called degradation warranty) guarantees your panels maintain a certain output percentage over time. Most manufacturers promise 80–90% output after 25 years. This protects you if panels degrade faster than expected—though this is rare with quality equipment.
What Isn't Covered (The Gaps)
Here's where customers often get caught off guard. Standard warranties exclude:
- Weather damage: Hail, lightning, high winds, and heavy snow damage your system but typically aren't covered under manufacturer warranties
- Roof damage: If installation requires roof penetration and leaks develop, that's not a solar panel warranty issue—it's a roofing problem
- Theft or vandalism: Your homeowners insurance might cover this, but solar warranties don't
- Improper maintenance: If you neglect system cleaning or ignore maintenance alerts, coverage may be voided
- Grid-related issues: If your inverter fails due to power surges from the utility grid, that's often excluded
Extended Coverage Options Worth Considering
Smart customers add extra protection. Most installers offer extended warranties and insurance options:
Extended Equipment Warranty ($500–$1,500): Extends manufacturer coverage by 5–10 years, useful if you plan to keep your system 35+ years.
System Insurance/Umbrella Coverage ($300–$600/year): Covers weather damage, theft, and accidental damage. Some solar companies bundle this; others require you to purchase separately through providers like Sunrun Protection or solar-specific insurers.
Roofing Warranty Extensions (varies): If your installer penetrates your roof, ask about roof-damage coverage riders. Some installers include this; others charge $200–$500 extra.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
When reviewing warranty offers from installers, get these specifics in writing:
- What exactly triggers workmanship coverage? Clarify whether it covers only materials and labor or includes travel costs for service calls.
- Who handles warranty claims—the installer or manufacturer? Direct manufacturer coverage means faster claims; installer-intermediary coverage can add delays.
- Is the warranty transferable if you sell your home? Most transferable warranties add value; non-transferable ones matter less if you plan to stay 15+ years.
- What are the degradation percentages year-by-year? Don't accept vague "80% after 25 years"—get the annual breakdown.
- Does the warranty cover labor, parts, or both? Parts-only coverage means you cover technician time; full coverage is better.
How Mercoly Helps
Comparing warranty terms across three or four local installers takes hours. Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted solar installers in your area, letting you review warranty packages side-by-side before requesting quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover solar panel damage? Most standard homeowners policies exclude solar equipment, though some insurers offer solar add-ons for $5–$15/month. Check with your agent before assuming coverage.
Q: What happens if my inverter fails at year 8 of a 10-year warranty? The manufacturer replaces or repairs it at no cost, but labor and diagnostics might not be included—confirm with your installer whether workmanship warranty covers the service call.
Q: Can I get a warranty if I buy used solar panels? Rarely. Used panels typically come with no manufacturer warranty; some installers offer limited workmanship warranties on used systems. Factor this into your cost savings.
Ready to compare solar warranties from vetted installers? Get free quotes today and review coverage options side-by-side.