Understanding Solar Panel Warranties: What’s Covered & What’s Not

When investing in solar panels, it’s important to understand the warranty terms that come with your system. A solar panel warranty protects you against manufacturing defects and performance issues, but not everything is covered. Below we’ll break down the different types of warranties, what they usually include, and common exclusions you should know about.

Types of Solar Panel Warranties

1. Product Warranty (Manufacturer’s Warranty)

   • Covers defects in materials and workmanship.

   • Typically lasts 10–25 years depending on the brand.

   • Protects you if your solar panel fails due to a factory fault.

2. Performance Warranty (Power Output Guarantee)

   • Ensures your panels will still produce a certain percentage of their rated power after a set number of years.

   • For example:

     • 90% output after 10 years

     • 80–85% output after 25 years

   • This gives you confidence that your panels will keep performing for decades.

What’s Usually Covered

✅ Manufacturing defects
✅ Early product failure not caused by external damage
✅ Significant drops in power output (beyond warranty terms)
✅ Replacement or repair of faulty panels

What’s Not Covered

❌ Damage from incorrect installation (if not installed by a licensed professional)
❌ Weather events such as hail, lightning, or floods
❌ Physical damage caused by animals, falling branches, or impact
❌ Poor maintenance or unauthorised modifications
❌ Normal wear and tear outside warranty conditions

Important Things to Check

• Installer vs Manufacturer Warranty: Some issues may be covered by your installer rather than the manufacturer, especially if installation contributed to the fault.

• Labour & Transport Costs: Check whether removal, shipping, or re-installation is included. Sometimes only the replacement panel is covered.

• Registration Requirements: Certain manufacturers require you to register your panels online to activate the full warranty.

• Transferability: If you sell your home, some warranties transfer to the new owner—others do not.

Tips to Protect Your Warranty

• Always use a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer in Australia.

• Keep a record of your purchase receipts and warranty documents.

• Schedule regular system checks and maintenance to prevent avoidable issues.

• Avoid tampering with your panels or system yourself—this can void the warranty.

Final Thoughts

Solar panel warranties provide peace of mind, but they don’t cover everything. By understanding the difference between product and performance warranties, and knowing what exclusions apply, you can protect your investment and avoid surprises down the track.

If you’d like tailored advice on your solar warranty or need support with a claim, contact our team at Star Power Advance Solar Technology—we’re here to help you get the most out of your solar system.