There are two types of warranties: performance warranties and equipment warranties.
One of the more complicated parts of going solar is the warranties for your panels. Generally, the industry standard is that warranties last 25 years. However, there is more than one type of solar warranty. Understanding the different types of solar warranties — and what they mean — will help you get a better grasp of how your solar investment is protected.
There are two types of warranties: performance warranties and equipment warranties.
Performance warranties focus on how much energy your system produces over the course of its lifetime. The amount of energy that panels produce decreases very slowly over time. Having a performance warranty ensures that this decrease occurs at an acceptable and standard rate.
Within the realm of performance warranties, there are two different kinds. Linear warranties cover a consistent, slight decrease in productivity of your solar panels each year. Step warranties cover performance at a flat rate and then decrease coverage at specific points during the lifetime of your solar system.
Equipment warranties, also known as workmanship warranties, account for any physical defects that your panels might have due to issues that occurred during manufacturing.
Having a solar panel warranty can be very effective in cases where one of your panels stops working. It is important to note that if one panel fails, the rest should continue to operate without any impairment. Occasionally, however, a failed panel will impact the productivity of other panels within your solar system. Having a warranty is crucial and will help cover the cost of swapping out the malfunctioning panel.
If your warranty expires, your panels will still work, don’t worry! In fact, according to a study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, every 4 out of 5 solar panels end up working well past the end of their 25-year warranties. This, of course, depends on the initial quality of your panels. It is far more cost-effective to invest in high-quality panels instead of being footed with repair and replacement bills down the line.
f you aren’t choosing to work with IGS, make sure you also obtain a copy of the panel manufacturer’s insurance policy. Did you know that 80% of solar panel companies have gone out of business with no warranty on their panels?
This is commonly overlooked, especially by new installers who are simply buying the nearest wholesale stocks for solar panels or buying the cheapest panels from China. As we partner with a related manufacturing company, we always review and understand the insurance policies in place which guarantee power production warranties.
Here at IGS, we carry a 25-year warranty, which is the industry standard. After 25 years, our panels will still retain 80% of their productivity. Our inverters carry a 12-year warranty, with the option of increasing to a 25-year warranty. Inverters are a type of technology which converts the solar energy captured by your panels into electricity that is compatible with your household.
After being in business for 20 years, we have seen many solar companies come and go. We only work with manufacturers who provide innovative and reliable technology.
By investing in a solar system from IGS, you are investing in not only high-quality panels, but your financial future. Going solar will save you money on your utility bills, increase the value of your home, and help you live more sustainably.