This Canstar Blue guide discusses solar panel warranty in Australia, including how long it applies for and what is covered.
If you’ve got solar panels, or are looking to get solar installed, it’s important to know what is covered under the solar warranty promised to you by the manufacturer and your installer. For example, if there’s a defect and the energy output dramatically decreases, what assistance is your installer or manufacturer required to offer?
While not every solar panel warranty in Australia is exactly the same, this Canstar Blue guide outlines what you should look for.
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What is the warranty for solar panels in Australia?
Solar panel warranty will vary depending on the installer and manufacturer. The industry standard is 25 years; however, this doesn’t mean that you can just get new panels installed when and if you feel like it. It also doesn’t guarantee that your panels will continue to work at 100% efficiency for their whole lifespan. Usually, solar panel warranty only guarantees about 80% efficiency after 25 years.
What does a solar panel warranty cover?
Solar panels are typically covered by a 25-year warranty, but this doesn’t apply to the entire system. Generally, solar warranties are split into four separate warranties:
- Solar panel performance warranty
- Panel product warranty
- Inverter warranty
- Solar installation warranty.
Whether you’re looking to purchase solar panels or already have them installed, having an understanding of each solar panel warranty is important.
Solar panel performance warranty
The amount of energy a solar panel can generate will naturally decrease over the years. Almost all solar panels will come with a 25-year panel performance warranty from the manufacturer. Most performance warranties guarantee that the panels will still produce 90% of their rated output after 10 years, and 80% after 25 years.
While this sounds great in theory, in practice it is often incredibly difficult to prove that a decrease in performance is solely due to the actual solar panel.
Solar panel product warranty
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water suggests that the solar panel product warranty will be between 10 and 15 years. However modern panels can last longer, so some manufacturers may provide a product warranty of 25 years or more for high quality panels. This provides you with protection if your system underperforms due to faulty modules.
Solar inverter warranty
Most solar inverter warranties cover five to 10 years, however this can sometimes be extended for an additional fee. This warranty is important because the inverter converts direct current (DC) into usable alternating current (AC): if the inverter fails, the entire system fails.
Solar installation warranty
The solar retailer may offer you an installation warranty, which covers the solar panel installation. This can vary from 12 months up to 10 years. Solar installation warranties are usually vague, so it is important to make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for and who the warranty itself is with (i.e. whether the retailer or sub-contractor are liable).
What is the best solar panel warranty?
But which of these is the best solar panel warranty to have? If you hunt around before purchasing solar panels, you may find a company that offers the ultimate solar panel warranty below.
Entire system warranty
An entire system warranty isn’t offered by every solar panel retailer, so you may need to spend some time researching retailers and warranties if you’re looking for total solar system coverage. If you can locate a retailer that offers this warranty, you just might have the best solar panel warranty on the market.
A warranty for your whole solar power system is widely considered to be the best available, because the solar panel retailer must cover the repairs if the solar panels malfunction or underperform.
Compare solar plans
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information. Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information. Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information. Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How to make sure that you’re getting a good solar panel warranty
To make sure your solar panel warranty is as good as it can be you should ask as many questions as possible prior to your install. Some key questions that you should know the answers to when you sign the contract are:
- What is the warranty period for installation?
- What specifically is covered?
- What would void the warranty?
- What is the average response time for a call out?
- What is the warranty on the cables and other components used during installation?
If the retailer can’t answer any of these questions clearly then it may be a sign to look elsewhere. Some contracts include clauses that void the warranty for factors like shade or installation issues, so be sure to read the contract thoroughly before making your decision.
If you already have solar panels installed, it’s important to note what your warranty covers and doesn’t cover: for example, many warranties don’t cover hail damage. If you’re looking to have solar panels installed, make sure your product includes a warranty that covers the issues you’re most concerned about.
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How do I make a warranty claim?
The first thing to do if you notice that there may be an issue with your solar system is to contact your installer or retailer. They will be able to arrange an inspection or take a look at your system remotely to help diagnose the problem. If a fault is found with the solar panel and it is within the manufacturer’s warranty period, then the installer should lodge the warranty claim for you.
If you can’t get a hold of your solar installer, a solar specialist should still be able to come out and inspect your panels to offer advice. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer directly (their information should be on the solar panel warranty documentation you would have received when your solar system was installed). If this is unsuccessful, the next step is to contact the relevant Office of Fair Trading who can negotiate on your behalf, arranging mediation where necessary.
Before a claim is accepted, the manufacturers will likely require documentation of the issue, including photos, reports and details of the installer. If there was an issue with the installation, this may lead to the manufacturer rejecting the claim.
Once the solar panel warranty claim has been approved, it’s a simple matter of getting those panels replaced or repaired within a reasonable timeframe.
Does installing solar panels void roof warranty?
Installing solar panels won’t necessarily impact your existing roof warranty. However, it is important that the solar panel installers are careful and know what they’re doing. If they cause accidental damage then you might find your roof warranty invalidated. Some things that may cause this include:
- Damage to roofing membrane or tiles
- Inadequate racking systems
- Using the wrong fasteners on your roof.
The most important thing when installing solar panels is to get a reputable installer for the job. If you’re looking for a good quality solar installer, be sure to check out Canstar Blue’s latest award for the best-rated Australian solar installers.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock.com
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