More and more people in Australia are using solar energy at home. They’re installing solar panels to use the sun’s power for their electricity.
In this changing situation, homeowners need to understand the details of solar panel warranties. These warranties are crucial for people who want a trustworthy and long-lasting investment in solar energy.
Considering the changing situation, we have prepared a homeowner’s guide to solar panel warranties in Australia, 2024. It gives you all the information you need about solar warranties.
It discusses how well the panels work, what’s covered if something goes wrong, and what to consider when choosing solar panels. Stay updated to ensure your solar panel system lasts a long time.
So, What is A Solar Panel Warranty?
A solar panel warranty guarantees fixing or replacing faulty materials or quality within a specific timeframe after installation.
Solar panel warranties are a guarantee that comes with solar panels. When you buy solar panels for your home, the solar company will give you guarantees on certain things.
Solar warranties usually consist of three parts:
- the product warranty for the solar panel
- the performance warranty for the solar panel
- the installation warranty
First, there’s a guarantee about how well the solar panels will work. This is called a performance warranty. It says the panels will produce a certain amount of energy for a specific time. If they don’t, the company will fix them or replace them.
The second part of the guarantee concerns the quality of the solar panels. It’s called a product warranty. It covers any issues that might happen because of how the panels were made. If there are problems due to manufacturing, the company will take care of it.
So, solar panel warranties give you peace of mind. They assure you that your solar investment will perform well and last longer.
Types of Solar Panel Warranty in Australia
Solar Panel Product Warranty
A solar panel product warranty promises that the solar panel has no problems. Let’s talk about some common issues that might happen.
Micro Cracks: These are small cracks in the solar cells that you can’t see easily. They happen because of stress during the making, moving, or putting in of the solar panels.
Delamination: When the protective layers of the solar panel come apart, the solar cells get exposed to things like water, dirt, or grime.
Hotspots: Hotspots can occur when a part of a solar cell gets too hot because of shade, dirt, or damage.
Usually, solar panel warranties for issues like these last for 10 to 15 years, and some companies offer even longer ones. But, in general, solar panels often last much longer than that. Issues are not very common if you choose a good “Tier 1” solar panel.
Solar Panel Performance/Power Output Warranty
A solar panel performance warranty, also called a power output warranty, is a guarantee from the company that made the solar panel.
They guarantee the panel will keep working well and producing a certain amount of power for a specific time.
This warranty ensures that the solar panel stays efficient and powerful for its expected life, typically around 25 to 30 years. It covers a slight decrease in the panel’s power over time, which happens naturally as solar panels age.
Most good companies now give a 25-year performance warranty. This means they guarantee that after 25 years, the panel will still produce at least 80-80% of its original power.
It’s important to know that this warranty only counts when the solar panel is tested under specific normal conditions.
Solar Panel Installation Warranty
The solar company gives you a warranty, called an installation warranty, to make sure they did the installation of your solar panels the right way.
This warranty usually lasts 1 to 10 years, depending on the company and your agreement.
During this time, the installation warranty ensures that your solar system works well and meets the high standards of the solar industry.
Here’s what the installation warranty covers:
Quality of Workmanship: It ensures that the solar panels and all the related stuff are put correctly, following the rules and standards.
Sturdy Structure: The warranty promises that the things holding the solar panels are put in securely, keeping the whole system strong.
Solar System Working Right: It guarantees that your solar panels are making the right amount of energy and working well without significant problems from the installation.
Fixing Problems: If there are issues or things don’t work because of how they were installed, the warranty pays for fixing, adjusting, or replacing things to make them right.
The installation warranty doesn’t cover concerns like extreme weather, accidents, or vandalism. Pick a good and experienced company that gives you a thorough installation warranty to ensure your solar panels last long and work their best.
Why is Warranty Important?
The warranty for solar panels is essential because it gives you protection and makes you feel calm about your investment.
Here are a few more reasons why having a good warranty is so important:
Quality Guarantee: When companies offer extended warranties, they usually use excellent materials and carefully make the panels. It indirectly tells homeowners that the panels are of high quality.
Less Maintenance Costs: A warranty can save money on maintaining your solar panels. The warranty can cover many costs if they need fixing or replacing.
Boosts Home Value: If your solar panels come with a strong warranty, it can make your home more valuable. This makes it more appealing to people who might want to buy it from you later on.
Peace of Mind: A warranty covering everything gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about unexpected costs because you know your solar panels are well-protected.
How to Claim A Warranty?
Knowing what to do is important when you have a problem covered by your solar panel warranty. Here are the steps usually involved in claiming a warranty:
Contact the Maker or Installer: Contact the company that made your solar panels or the person who installed them. Tell them about the issue and give them your purchase proof and maintenance records.
Check the Problem: The company will look at the difficulty to see if it’s something the warranty covers. It should be covered if it’s because of a mistake in making or installing the panels.
Fix or Replace: If the warranty claim is accepted, the company will fix or replace the solar panels with a concern.
Ask About Costs: Check if the warranty covers fixing and sending things. Some warranties pay for these, but others might need you to pay for them.
What to Look for in Solar Panel Warranties in Australia?
Performance Guarantee:
How Long It Lasts:
Company's Reputation:
Labor Warranty:
Transferring Your Warranty:
Read Everything:
What is Not Covered Under the Homeowners' Warranties in Australia?
Solar panel warranties only cover the solar panels themselves. Other parts like inverters, racks, and batteries have warranties, usually shorter than solar panel warranties.
Solar batteries and inverters typically work well for about 10 to 12 years, and their warranties last around five years or more.
Some manufacturers, like Tesla and LG Chem, offer warranties that match the whole service life of the product.
For example, the Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem RESU have a 10-year warranty.
If you install micro-inverters on each solar panel, they may have a warranty period of up to 25 years.
Solar warranties won’t cover damages caused by misusing the panels. Manufacturers give you detailed warranty documents with all the terms and conditions, so it’s essential to read them carefully.
The Bottom Line/Why Choose Solar Emporium for the Best Solar Panel Warranties?
Good quality solar panels usually last 25 years, and with consistent power output, it lasts 25 to 30 years. Solar inverters and solar batteries typically have 10 to 12-year warranties.
Top solar installation companies like Solar Emporium offer better deals on warranty. We can also easily help you with warranty claims.
Contact Solar Emporium for any solar solutions, including warranty claims. Our solar experts are always eager to help you. Get a free solar quote today!
