Solar Warranties Explained: What's Actually Covered
“25-year warranty” sounds simple, but a solar system actually comes with several different warranties — and they don’t all cover the same thing or last the same time. Knowing the difference protects you, especially given recent installer bankruptcies.
The three (or four) warranties to know
1. Equipment / product warranty (panels)
Covers defects in the panels themselves. Typically 25 years on modern panels. Comes from the panel manufacturer — so it survives even if your installer goes out of business (as long as the manufacturer exists).
2. Performance / production warranty
Guarantees the panels still produce at least a certain percentage of their original output over time (panels degrade slowly). A common promise is roughly ~85–92% of rated output at year 25. Also from the manufacturer.
3. Inverter warranty
Inverters work harder and often have shorter warranties:
- String inverters: ~10–12 years (may need replacement once in the system’s life).
- Microinverters: often ~25 years.
4. Workmanship / installation warranty
Covers the installer’s labor — roof penetrations, mounting, wiring, leaks. This comes from the installer, typically 5–25 years. It’s the one most at risk if the installer closes — unless it’s third-party backed.
Why “who backs it” matters most
A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it:
- Manufacturer warranties (panels, inverter) survive your installer’s failure.
- Installer workmanship warranties can vanish if the installer goes under — unless backed by a third party.
This is why strong equipment brands and third-party-backed workmanship coverage matter so much. See how to choose a solar installer.
Questions to ask about warranties
- How long is each warranty — panels, inverter, performance, workmanship?
- Who backs the workmanship warranty — the installer alone, or a third party?
- Does the workmanship warranty cover roof leaks caused by the install?
- Who handles labor costs if a panel or inverter is replaced under warranty?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell the home?
Bottom line
You’re really getting several warranties: panel (≈25 yr), performance (≈25 yr), inverter (≈10–25 yr), and workmanship (≈5–25 yr). Equipment warranties come from manufacturers and survive installer trouble; the workmanship warranty is the fragile one — confirm its length and who backs it before you sign. More in questions to ask before signing.
Educational information only, current as of June 2026. Read the actual warranty documents — terms vary by manufacturer and installer.