Warranty in Solar: The AEV Promise

Introduction

When investing in a solar energy system, understanding your warranty coverage is just as important as choosing the right equipment. A comprehensive solar warranty protects your investment, ensuring that your system continues to generate clean energy efficiently for decades to come. Ready to learn about protecting your solar investment? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about solar warranties, from manufacturer guarantees to installer workmanship coverage.

Core Types of Solar Warranties

Solar energy systems typically come with three distinct types of warranties, each protecting different aspects of your investment: product/equipment, performance and workmanship. Each one has their own set of rules that is best to understand before the installation begins.

Product/Equipment Coverage

Product warranties protect against defects in the physical components of your solar system, including panels, inverters, and mounting equipment. These warranties are provided by the manufacturers and typically cover issues like faulty wiring, defective components, or premature wear that affects system performance. This coverage begins to fade as your system ages, with different components having varying warranty periods. For example, while premium solar panels often carry 25-year product warranties, inverters may only be covered for 10-12 years.

Performance Guarantees

Performance warranties ensure your solar panels maintain a specified level of electricity production over time. Most manufacturers guarantee that panels will produce at least 90% of their rated output after 10 years and 80% after 25 years, with a degradation rate of about 0.5-0.7% annually. These warranties become especially important as your system ages, as they protect against excessive performance decline. However, the coverage can be voided if panels are damaged by external factors, improperly maintained, or installed in ways that don’t meet manufacturer specifications. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for maintaining valid performance warranty coverage.

Workmanship Protection

Installation workmanship warranties cover issues that arise from improper system installation, such as roof leaks, wiring problems, or structural issues. These warranties are provided by your solar installation company, not the equipment manufacturers, and typically range from 5 to 10 years. The effectiveness of workmanship warranties depends entirely on the installer’s continued business operations and their commitment to customer service. If your installer goes out of business, this warranty coverage effectively disappears, making it a smart move to choose a well-established, reputable installation company with a proven track record. This is an important aspect, since well-established companies tend to not offer the best prices. It’s an evaluation of risk-return — would you risk your investment in 25 years of clean energy for your slightly bigger expense this year?

What to Expect from Your Solar Warranty

A comprehensive solar warranty package should provide multi-layered protection for your investment, combining manufacturer guarantees with installer coverage. Now you don’t always need to do this math, but they sure are something to keep in mind when thinking about maintenance.

Standard Coverage Durations

Different components of your solar system come with varying warranty periods, reflecting their expected lifespans and reliability. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Power Output Guarantees

Power output warranties protect against excessive performance degradation, ensuring your system continues to generate electricity efficiently. These guarantees typically promise 90% production capability after 10 years and 80% after 25 years, though premium manufacturers may offer stronger guarantees. To maintain valid warranty coverage, system owners should pay attention to some facts on solar panels:

  • Immediate reporting of any performance issues.
  • Regular panel cleaning and inspection.
  • Proper ventilation maintenance.
  • Documentation of annual performance.
  • Professional maintenance when required.

Equipment Failure Protection

Equipment failure protection covers manufacturing defects and premature component failure, ensuring your system’s hardware performs as intended. This coverage typically includes replacement parts and sometimes labor costs, though shipping and handling may be extra. The comprehensiveness of failure protection varies significantly between manufacturers and often depends on the price point of your equipment. Premium manufacturers typically offer more extensive coverage and better support services, including expedited replacement shipping and coverage of labor costs for warranty-related repairs.

Most Common Warranty Claims

Understanding the most frequent warranty claims helps solar system owners identify potential issues early and address them effectively. While solar systems are generally reliable, certain components tend to require warranty service more often than others, with issues ranging from simple performance degradation to complete component failure.

Your roof’s structural integrity, orientation, and available space significantly impact your solar installation’s success. Our engineers, for instance, conduct thorough assessments that consider load-bearing capacity, existing ventilation systems, and optimal panel placement to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

Here are the key aspects that AEV engineers evaluate and that you probably miss when dealing with a salesman:

  • Structural load capacity and reinforcement needs.
  • Existing electrical infrastructure compatibility.
  • Optimal panel orientation and tilt angles.
  • Shading patterns throughout the year.
  • Ventilation and access requirements.
  • Future maintenance considerations.

Inverter Issues and Resolution

Inverters are consistently the most common source of warranty claims in solar energy systems, accounting for approximately 65% of all equipment-related issues. These essential components convert DC power from your panels into usable AC power for your home, making their proper function critical to system performance. When inverter problems arise, the resolution process typically begins with remote diagnostics through monitoring systems. Many modern inverters can be diagnosed and sometimes even repaired through software updates, but hardware failures usually require complete replacement under warranty. Most manufacturers have streamlined their warranty processes for inverters, recognizing their higher failure rate.

Panel Performance Problems

Solar panel performance issues typically manifest as gradual declines in energy production that exceed the warranted degradation rates. These problems can be challenging to identify without proper monitoring, as the decrease might not be immediately apparent in your energy bills. When performance issues are detected, warranty claims often require detailed documentation of the panel’s output over time. Manufacturers may conduct remote assessments or send technicians to verify the problem before approving warranty claims.

Wiring and Connection Failures

Wiring and connection problems represent about 15% of warranty claims, often resulting from environmental exposure or initial installation issues. These problems can cause system shutdowns, reduced performance, or even safety hazards if left unaddressed. Resolution of wiring issues under warranty typically involves thorough inspection by certified technicians to identify the root cause. While original installation errors may be covered under workmanship warranties, damage from external factors like animal interference or extreme weather might be excluded from coverage.

Understanding Warranty Limitations

While solar warranties provide valuable protection, they come with specific limitations and conditions that system owners must understand. These limitations help manufacturers manage their risk while ensuring fair coverage for legitimate issues.

Coverage Exclusions

Standard warranty exclusions protect manufacturers from claims resulting from factors beyond their control. Here are the most common reasons:

  1. Acts of nature (hurricanes, lightning strikes, floods).
  2. Vandalism or theft.
  3. Unauthorized modifications.
  4. Improper maintenance.
  5. Installation by non-certified technicians.
  6. Damage during transport or storage.
  7. Normal aesthetic changes.
  8. Damage from roof repairs or modifications.

Transfer Rights and Restrictions

Warranty transferability becomes crucial when selling a property with a solar installation. To maintain warranty coverage during a transfer:

  1. Contact the manufacturer/installer at least 30 days before transfer.
  2. Complete all required transfer documentation.
  3. Pay any applicable transfer fees.
  4. Provide new owner contact information.
  5. Obtain written confirmation of transfer completion.

Successfully transferring warranty coverage can significantly increase your property’s value and attractiveness to potential buyers, as it provides continued protection for solar investment.

Labor and Shipping Considerations

Most manufacturer warranties cover replacement parts but may not include labor costs for removal, shipping, or reinstallation. Some premium manufacturers offer comprehensive coverage that includes these expenses, but it’s essential to understand exactly what costs you might face during a warranty claim. Installation companies often provide separate labor warranties that can fill these gaps, but their coverage periods are typically shorter than manufacturer warranties. When evaluating warranty options, consider the potential out-of-pocket expenses for labor and shipping that might arise during a warranty claim.

Choosing the Right Warranty Provider

The financial stability and reputation of your warranty provider are crucial factors in ensuring long-term protection for your solar investment. Research potential manufacturers and installers thoroughly, looking for established companies with proven track records of honoring warranty claims. Consider the warranty provider’s customer service reputation and claims process efficiency. Companies that offer clear, straightforward warranty terms and maintain accessible customer support typically provide better warranty experience when issues arise. The best warranty providers combine comprehensive coverage with efficient claims processing and excellent customer service. Look for providers that offer online claim submission, responsive support teams, and clear documentation of warranty terms and conditions.

Conclusion

Solar system warranties represent a critical component of your renewable energy investment, providing essential protection against manufacturing defects, performance issues, and installation problems. Understanding the different types of coverage and their limitations helps you make informed decisions about your solar installation.

Ready to ensure your solar investment is protected with the best warranties in the industry? Contact AEV Solar today to learn how we can provide you with unparalleled coverage and support for your renewable energy system.

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