Warranties are important considerations for many high-value products in or around our homes, and this concept is definitely applicable to solar panels. What should you be thinking about as a homeowner when it comes to a solar warranty if you're considering solar panel installation?
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to offer the best commercial and residential solar power services around Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Boise, Idaho area. We regularly help clients understand solar warranties and how they impact the overall picture of your installation. Here are some basic pieces of homeowner information to understand when it comes to solar warranties.
Different Types of Solar Warranty
Firstly, it's important to note that there are a few different kinds of solar panel warranties out there. Some of the key varieties include:
- Product warranty: Perhaps the most common type of solar warranty, this covers the physical aspects of your panels and associated components. This can include things like defects in materials or workmanship. If your panels or other components fail due to these issues, the manufacturer will replace them.
- Performance warranty: A performance warranty is slightly different from a product warranty. Instead of covering physical defects, it guarantees that your panels will continue to produce at a certain level over time. If their production dips below this level, you may be eligible for compensation.
- Workmanship warranty: Similar to a product warranty, a workmanship warranty covers issues with the installation or assembly of your solar system. This type of warranty is typically provided by the installer rather than the manufacturer.
- Inverter warranties: In addition to panel warranties, you should also look into warranties for your inverter - the device that converts the DC electricity produced by your panels into usable AC electricity. Just like with panels, there are both product and performance warranties available for inverters.
Typical Terms
Because solar panels are meant to be products that work well into the future, most solar warranties are also long-term in nature. They tend to average 25 years or longer, though some warranties may only last 10 years. As a result, solar panel warranties tend to be longer than most other product warranties.
This means that as a consumer, you can rest assured that your panels will continue to function efficiently for years to come. In the case of any defects or issues, you can rely on your warranty to cover the necessary repairs or replacements.
How to Claim Solar Warranties
While the exact steps here will vary based on your individual warranty, there are a few common steps to take when making a solar warranty claim:
- Prepare your documentation: This includes any paperwork related to your solar installation and the warranty itself. Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand before making a claim.
- Contact the manufacturer or installer: In most cases, you will need to reach out to either the manufacturer of your panels or the company that installed them for assistance with your claim.
- Explain the issue and provide evidence: Clearly explain the problem you are experiencing and provide any relevant evidence, such as photos or data readings. The more detailed and specific you can be, the smoother the claims process will be.
- Follow instructions from the manufacturer or installer: They may require you to perform certain troubleshooting steps or provide additional information before they can process your claim.
- Keep records of all communication and documentation: Make sure to keep a record of any emails, phone calls, or letters related to your claim. This will be helpful in case there are any discrepancies or issues that arise during the process.
- Be patient and persistent: It’s important to remember that the claims process may take some time, especially if it involves multiple parties such as the manufacturer, installer, and insurance company. Be patient, but also don’t be afraid to follow up and check on the status of your claim.
Questions or Red Flags to Bring Up
When it comes to solar warranties, there are a few questions or red flags to keep in mind when going through the claims process:
- Is the issue covered under the warranty?
- What is the timeline for filing a claim?
- Will any out-of-pocket costs be reimbursed?
- Are there any limitations or exclusions on the warranty coverage?
- How long will it take for the issue to be resolved?
It's important to ask these questions and fully understand the details of your solar warranty so you can properly navigate through the claims process. If you encounter any issues or discrepancies, don't hesitate to bring them up and address them with all parties involved.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to help with any solar panel question or need you may have, including with solar warranties. Contact us today for any of our solar power services around Utah or Idaho!
