What is a Warranty?

A warranty is essentially a promise from the manufacturer, assuring you that the solar products you purchase will function as advertised for a specified period. It’s a pledge to repair or replace parts of your solar system if they break down or fail to meet standard performance levels due to manufacturing defects or other covered issues.

Why is a Warranty Important for Solar Products?

The warranty may sound like the least interesting part of your solar system, but it is in fact one of the most important parts! Given the long lifespan expected of solar panels (25 years) and related components, a comprehensive warranty ensures that your investment is protected over time. It provides peace of mind that any defects or performance shortfalls will be addressed without additional costs, safeguarding the value and effectiveness of your solar energy system.

While some warranty elements are standard across most products, the devil is in the detail. Understanding the different types of warranties and what they offer can make a huge difference to the value of your investment.

Choosing a Solar Manufacturer with Reliable Australian Support

Ever imagined ringing up a call centre halfway across the globe because your inverter decided to take an unexpected holiday? Picture trying to explain a solar panel hiccup to someone in Taiwan. Facing technical issues is stressful enough without the added hassle of dealing with representatives from international call centres.

• Local Support Presence. Verify that the manufacturer has a genuine Australian support office, not just a façade for administrative functions.
• Manufacturer Stability. Assess the financial health and longevity of the panel and inverter manufacturers to avoid being stranded with unsupported products. Consider:
  • Company size and market presence
  • Years in operation
  • Financial stability and backing

Choosing a manufacturer with a real presence and sturdy financials means you won’t be left chatting with distant call centres or worse, talking to a brick wall if they vanish overnight.

Solar Product Warranty Types

Performance Warranty 

The solar panel performance warranty outlines the expected degradation of panels over 25 years, acknowledging that, like all electronics, their efficiency will decline.  

This warranty specifies the expected performance at the end of this period, with a standard expectation that panels will operate at 84% of their initial output after 25 years.  

Sunpower Maxeon panels set a higher benchmark, guaranteeing 92% efficiency after 25 years, standing out from other premium brands that hover around the 83-84% range.  

Though indicative of panel quality, this warranty is often challenging to claim due to potential disputes over the causes of cell deterioration, making it less practical than other warranties. 

Product Warranty 

Issued by manufacturers, these warranties address defects in materials, workmanship, and production for a minimum of 5 years, offering more substantial coverage compared to performance warranties. 

The product warranty is a big deal for solar panels because it’s all about making sure you’re covered if something isn’t quite right with how they’re made or how they hold up.  

Make sure the warranty on your panels is locking you in for at least 5 years. Here’s the real talk on what to ask about: 

• Cost-Free Repair or Replacement. Confirm if the warranty includes repairing or replacing panels at no additional cost throughout the warranty duration. 
• Technician Visit Fees. Ensure that the warranty covers the expense of service technicians visiting your property, avoiding any out-of-pocket call-out fees. 
• Compensation for Power Loss. Check if you’ll be reimbursed for any electricity loss when the panels are non-functional. 
• Warranty Exclusions. Understand the types of damage or situations not covered under the product warranty. 

Fortunately for you, finding panels that come with a 12-year warranty (or even more) without breaking the bank is totally doable. 

Inverter Warranty 

The solar inverter warranty is critical for your solar system, as inverters are the most prone to issues.  

While many inverters offer a 5-year warranty, opting for at least a 10-year warranty is wise, with some allowing extensions beyond the initial term.  

Proper installation is key to avoiding warranty voids, especially to prevent damage from direct sunlight or incorrect placement.  

Beware of 5+5 warranties that cover parts and labour only in the first five years, as labour costs can be significant.  

Look for inverters with longer warranties of 12, 15, or even 25 years because they balance cost with the assurance of long-term reliability. 

Workmanship Warranty 

Your solar retailer provides a workmanship warranty to protect you from any issues due to the installation team’s craftsmanship.  

Even top-notch installers might accidentally cause damage, like a cracked roof tile leading to water damage over time.  

This warranty covers repairs needed due to such issues, ensuring costs for fixes, like replastering a leaky kitchen caused by installation, are not out of pocket for you.  

However, the reliability of this warranty depends on the retailer’s stability and reputation. 

Consider asking your solar retailer: 

• How extensive is their experience in the industry? 
• What’s the size of their operation? 
• Can they guarantee long-term support for warranty claims? 

Full-System Warranty 

Choosing a retailer that offers a comprehensive 5-year system warranty is a smart move.  

This warranty ensures your entire system operates as expected for the duration, covering even those components that might originally have come with shorter warranties of just 1 or 2 years.  

It’s a safeguard for your investment, ensuring every part of your system, even the small ones, are protected under a single, unified warranty period. 

Warranty Resources in One Place 

We have warranty information for all the leading solar panels, inverters and battery storage systems.  

You can download the manufacturer’s Warranty Terms on this page. These warranty files contain all the important terms and conditions that you need to know.  

If you have an issue with a product or wish to make a warranty application, please contact the applicable manufacturer. They provide support via their respective customer service numbers. 

Solar Run also provides product reviews for all the major brands like Eging, Q Cells, Sungrow, SolarEdge and Tesla. 

Check out our best deals on solar products in Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne and get in touch with us. 

Solar Panels Warranty Information

Manufacturer	Warranty Terms	Customer Support
	Download	8651982588808
	Download	1300 326 182
	Download	0290163033
	Download	1800 465 567
	Download	1 800 786 769
	Download	1 800 786 769

Solar Inverters Warranty Information 

Manufacturer	Warranty Terms	Customer Support
	Download	0408500386
	Download	1800786476
	Download	1800465567
	Download	0399183905

Solar Battery Warranty Information 

Manufacturer	Warranty Terms	Customer Support
	Download	1300968933
	Download	1300968933
	Download	0290163033
	Download	0862801206
	Download	1800646952