What happens if a panel fails within the warranty period?

When Your Solar Panel Fails: What Actually Happens Next

Nobody wants to think about their shiny new solar panels failing, but it does happen. Whether it's a manufacturing defect, a damaged cell, or simply underperformance, knowing what comes next can save you considerable stress and money.

The good news is that if your panel fails within its warranty period, you're protected. Solar panels typically come with three different warranties, and understanding which one applies to your situation makes all the difference.

The Three Types of Solar Panel Warranties

Most solar panels sold in the UK come with a product warranty lasting 10-15 years, covering manufacturing defects and premature wear. There's also a performance warranty running for 25 years, guaranteeing your panels will still produce 80-90% of their original output after two decades. Finally, you'll have an installation warranty from your installer, typically covering 2-10 years of workmanship issues.

If your panel stops working entirely, cracks, or shows obvious physical damage, that's usually a product warranty claim. If it's producing significantly less electricity than expected, you're looking at a performance warranty issue.

The Claims Process: What You'll Need to Do

Start by contacting whoever sold you the system - many installers handle warranty claims on your behalf, which can save considerable hassle. You'll need your original purchase receipts, installation certificates, and clear documentation of the problem. Take photos of any visible damage and gather your electricity generation data if the issue is performance-related.

The manufacturer will typically want proof that the panel has failed under normal operating conditions. This means they'll check whether you've maintained the system properly and that no external factors caused the damage.

What's Covered (and What Isn't)

Manufacturing defects, premature cell degradation, and hardware failures are usually covered without question. However, don't expect compensation for damage from severe weather, vandalism, or poor maintenance. Some warranties become void if you've modified the system or had work done by uncertified installers.

Here's where it gets tricky: whilst the manufacturer might replace a faulty panel for free, you'll often pay for scaffolding, labour, and diagnostics. These costs can run £300-800, depending on your roof's complexity and location.

UK-Specific Considerations

In Britain, you're protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which gives you additional rights beyond manufacturer warranties. If panels fail within six months, the retailer must prove the fault wasn't present when sold. You can claim against the retailer for up to six years after purchase, though proving the fault wasn't your responsibility becomes harder over time.

Many UK solar installers are MCS-certified and offer insurance-backed warranties through schemes like the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). If your installer goes out of business, these protections can still honour warranty claims.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't assume all problems are warranty issues. Sometimes poor performance stems from shading, dirt buildup, or inverter problems rather than panel failure. Get a proper diagnosis before making claims, as frivolous warranty requests can complicate future legitimate ones.

Keep meticulous records from day one. Many homeowners discover they've lost crucial paperwork when they need to make claims years later. Store digital copies of all warranties, certificates, and purchase documents.

Never attempt DIY repairs on panels under warranty - this almost always voids coverage entirely.

Managing Your Expectations

Warranty claims typically take 4-8 weeks to resolve, during which your system might operate at reduced capacity. Some manufacturers offer prorated compensation based on the panel's age, meaning you won't necessarily get brand-new replacement value for a panel that's been running for several years.

The reality is that genuine panel failures are relatively rare. Most quality panels from established manufacturers will outlast their warranties comfortably. However, when problems do occur, having proper documentation and understanding the process makes resolution much smoother.

Choose your installer carefully, maintain your system properly, and keep good records. These simple steps ensure that if something does go wrong, you're in the strongest possible position to get it sorted quickly and cost-effectively.