The Ultimate Solar Warranty Guide: Product vs. Performance
Not All Warranties Are Created Equal
When you see a "25-Year Warranty" on a solar brochure, you need to ask one critical question: "Is that for Product or Performance?" The difference could cost you thousands.
Product Warranty (The One That Matters)
This covers the physical integrity of the panel. If it delaminates, water gets in, or the junction box fails, this warranty covers the replacement.
- Standard: 10-12 Years.
- Premium (The New Standard): 25 Years.
Advice: In 2025, you should aim for panels that offer a full 25-year Product Warranty (e.g., REC, SunPower, Trina Vertex S+, Jinko Tiger Neo). This ensures you are covered for the life of the system.
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Performance Warranty (The Marketing Fluff)
This guarantees the panel will still produce a certain amount of power (usually 80-85%) after 25 years. While good to have, it is very hard to claim. You have to prove the panel is underperforming due to a fault, not just dirt or shading. Almost every panel has a 25-year performance warranty, so it's not a differentiator.
Workmanship Warranty
This comes from your installer, not the manufacturer. It covers the labor, cabling, and mounting. A good installer will offer 5-10 years. If they only offer 1-2 years, run away.
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