What does a solar panel product warranty usually cover?

What Solar Panel Product Warranties Actually Cover

When you're investing thousands in solar panels, understanding your warranty coverage is crucial. Solar panel product warranties are manufacturer guarantees that protect you against faults and defects in the panels themselves - but knowing exactly what's covered can save you headaches down the line.

Manufacturing Defects and Internal Faults

Product warranties primarily cover issues that stem from the manufacturing process. This includes glass breakage due to internal defects - if your panel's glass cracks because of a manufacturing flaw rather than external impact, you're typically covered. Similarly, malfunctioning internal components like faulty solar cells, dodgy connections, or problems with the panel's junction box fall under warranty protection.

You might also be covered for issues like delamination (where layers within the panel separate), corrosion of internal components, or if the panel's frame develops structural problems due to poor manufacturing quality.

What's Not Covered

Here's where many homeowners get caught out: product warranties exclude damage from external factors. If a football smashes your panel, a tree branch falls on it during a storm, or hail damages the surface, your product warranty won't help. The same goes for damage from vandalism, fire, or extreme weather events.

Normal wear and tear isn't covered either, nor is damage caused by improper installation or maintenance. This is why choosing a reputable installer matters enormously.

UK Warranty Periods and What to Expect

Most solar panel manufacturers offer product warranties lasting 10 to 25 years, with some premium brands extending this to 30 years. In the UK market, you'll typically see 12-year warranties as standard, though this varies by manufacturer.

These warranties run alongside separate performance warranties, which guarantee your panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power output over time - usually around 80% after 25 years.

Making a Warranty Claim in Practice

Filing a warranty claim involves substantial paperwork and can take weeks or months to resolve. You'll need proof of purchase, installation certificates, and often photographic evidence of the problem. Many manufacturers require you to work through your installer rather than dealing with claims directly.

Keep detailed records of your installation date, serial numbers, and any maintenance work. Some warranties require annual maintenance checks to remain valid, so read the fine print carefully.

Common Warranty Mistakes

Many homeowners overlook warranty registration requirements - some manufacturers need you to register your panels within a specific timeframe after installation. Others void warranties if you don't use approved cleaning methods or if unauthorised personnel perform maintenance.

Another frequent mistake is assuming all warranty claims are free. While defective panels should be replaced at no cost, you might face charges for labour, scaffolding, or other installation costs depending on your warranty terms.

Insurance vs Warranty Coverage

For protection against external damage, you'll need insurance rather than relying on warranties. Most home insurance policies can be extended to cover solar panels, typically adding £50-150 to your annual premium. This covers theft, weather damage, and accidental damage that warranties exclude.

Choosing Reliable Warranty Coverage

When selecting panels, consider the manufacturer's financial stability - a 25-year warranty means nothing if the company doesn't exist in 10 years' time. Established brands like LG, Panasonic, and SunPower have strong track records, though they cost more upfront.

Your installer's workmanship warranty is equally important, typically covering installation issues for 2-10 years. Choose MCS-certified installers who stand behind their work with comprehensive guarantees.

Understanding warranty coverage helps you make informed decisions about your solar investment and ensures you're properly protected for decades to come.