Solar Panel Warranties Explained: What Homeowners Should Know Before Signing

Investing in solar panels is a long term decision, one that should bring peace of mind, not future headaches. And that’s exactly why your solar panel warranty matters.

Warranties protect your solar investment by covering equipment issues, performance expectations, and installation work. But not all warranties are created equal.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main types of solar warranties, explain what can void them, highlight brands with the strongest offers, and give you smart questions to ask before signing any contract.

The 3 Types of Solar Warranties Every Homeowner Should Understand

1. Product (or Equipment) Warranty

This covers defects in materials or manufacturing. If your solar panel malfunctions or stops working due to a fault, not damage, this warranty kicks in.

Typical coverage: 10–25 years
Covers: Delamination, broken glass (not from impact), defective wiring, etc.

2. Performance Warranty

Panels naturally degrade over time. This warranty guarantees a minimum level of energy production over a certain number of years.

Typical guarantee: 90% production at year 10, 80–85% at year 25
Covers: Unexpected dips in output that aren’t caused by external damage

3. Installation (or Workmanship) Warranty

Offered by the installer, this covers issues from poor workmanship or installation errors.

Typical coverage: 1–10 years, depending on the installer
Covers: Roof leaks at mount points, loose wiring, panel placement problems

What Can Void Your Solar Warranty?

Warranties only protect you when the system is used and maintained properly. Common actions that may void your warranty include:

Unauthorized repairs or DIY maintenance
Modifying the system without manufacturer or installer approval
Physical damage from weather (beyond what’s covered) or accidents
Failing to register the product with the manufacturer
Not following regular maintenance or inspection recommendations

Keep all your receipts, documents, and proof of regular maintenance in case you need to file a warranty claim.

Top Solar Panel Brands and Their Warranty Offers

Not all solar panels are built or backed the same. Here’s how top-tier brands stack up:

Brand	Product Warranty	Performance Warranty	Notable
SunPower	25 years	92% production at year 25	Industry-leading all-in-one warranty
LG Solar	25 years	90.8% at year 25	Sleek design, strong installer network
REC Solar	25 years	92% at year 25	Requires certified installer for full coverage
Q CELLS	12–25 years	85% at year 25	Excellent value option
Canadian Solar	12–15 years	80% at year 25	Budget-friendly, good for large systems

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Solar Contract

Protect yourself by asking these key questions before agreeing to an installation:

What are the warranty terms for the panels, inverters, and batteries?
Is the installation covered separately? For how long?
What happens if the installer goes out of business?
Who handles warranty claims – you or the installer?
Does the warranty transfer to a new owner if I sell my home?

A trustworthy installer like Lucent Energy would be transparent, walk you through warranty documents, and answer all of these questions confidently.

Conclusion: A Warranty is Only as Good as the Company Behind It

A solar warranty might seem like fine print, but it can save you thousands down the road. From faulty panels to poor installation, solid coverage ensures your solar journey stays stress free.

Be sure to compare brands, review installer reputations, and ask detailed questions before signing any agreement. That way, your solar investment is protected for the long haul.

Considering solar but unsure about warranties? Lucent Energy offers panels from top-tier manufacturers with some of the strongest warranties in the industry.