Solar panels are long-term investments that can provide clean energy for 25 years or more. However, like any product, solar panels can sometimes fail or underperform. When issues arise, having a solar panel warranty and knowing how to make a claim are essential to protecting your investment.
In this blog, we provide 4 easy steps to help you understand and manage solar panel warranty claims. Follow these tips and refer to your warranty terms so you can take full advantage of manufacturer protections.
Step 1: Understand Your Solar Panel Warranty
Solar panel manufacturers provide warranties that protect against defects and early underperformance. Warranties usually cover:
- Product defects - Protects against flawed components or manufacturing issues
- Power output - Guarantees a certain level of performance and efficiency.
It's important to register your system to activate the warranty and keep your original paperwork, like purchase receipts and warranties. This documentation is required when opening a warranty claim.
Most solar panel warranties differentiate between:
- Workmanship warranty: Covers flaws and defects for 5-10 years.
- Performance warranty: Guarantees efficiency levels for 25-35 years
Understanding these differences allows you to identify the terms relevant to your system issues. If you've noticed panel damage or low output, it's also essential to act fast while still under warranty.
Step 2: Regularly Inspect Your Solar Panels
Routine inspections allow you to catch problems early while still under warranty protections. We recommend following this solar panel maintenance routine:
- Monthly: Look at panels for signs of damage, debris build up, animals, or pests. Check wires and connections for integrity. Maintain vegetation near panels.
- Yearly: Professional detailed inspection for cracks, corrosion, loose parts, and output testing.
Document any problems you find with photos and notes. Even minor issues could turn into warranty claims if they worsen, so getting ahead keeps options open.
Step 3: Determine if Your Issues Qualify Under Warranty
If you discover solar panel problems or efficiency drops during inspections, next determine if it could qualify under your manufacturer warranty. Refer to your warranty terms about qualifying issues, efficiency guarantees, and claim submission processes.
Common reasons to start a solar panel warranty claim include:
- Broken panels or connections
- Major visible flaws like cracks or dents
- Output measured 20%+ below guarantee
- Equipment failure before warranty expires
Each manufacturer defines specific metrics and procedures to follow when starting a claim, so review those details closely.
Step 4: Open and Manage Your Warranty Claim
After determining whether your solar panel issue qualifies under warranty, you can officially open your manufacturer's claim. Follow your warranty guide's directions exactly, and provide any necessary documentation like proof of purchase, warranty forms, damage images, and output records.
The process usually includes:
- Filling out online claim forms
- Providing serial numbers
- Describing damage and troubleshooting done
- Submitting performance records
The manufacturer will review and validate your claim against warranty terms before approving it. This may involve additional inspections or output measurements.
Once approved, the warranty company dictates solutions based on their policies. Usually, they will choose to either:
1. Repair panel.
2. Replace damaged parts or panels
3. Compensate homeowner for lost performance
Be reasonable but firm in advocating for your needs throughout claim negotiations. With patience and good documentation, manufacturers usually make things right under warranties.
Emerging Solar Panel Technologies
While current solar panels are highly durable and efficient, companies are also innovating new technologies to further improve panel reliability and extend their useful life. Some emerging solar technologies to watch include:
- High-efficiency monocrystalline cells
- Bifacial solar panels
- Flexible thin-film solar
- Transparent solar windows
As these innovations become mainstream, solar power system performance, efficiency, and lifespan will take a significant leap forward.
The Future of Solar
Beyond technological advances, solar energy is poised to keep growing its share of power generation worldwide. As panel and storage prices fall, solar dominates other options in terms of cost-efficiency. And innovations like floating solar farms, solar roads, and space-based solar expand how we harness the abundant power around us.
India ranks in the top 5 countries globally for planned solar growth, targeting over 100 gigawatts of solar capacity. With supportive government renewable energy policies, affordable financing, and the world’s lowest solar prices due to high-volume demand and manufacturing, India’s solar revolution is bright.
Getting Peak Performance from Solar Panels with Waaree
Investing in a high-quality solar system upfront is key to minimizing expensive solar panel issues down the road. Here at Waaree, we design and install premium solar systems meant to withstand India's harsh climate for over two decades.
Our engineering excellence has made Waaree India's #1 solar PV brand. We provide comprehensive warranties. We provide solar solutions designed for long-lasting reliability and performance. Learn more about Waaree’s solar offerings, including bifacial and double-sided solar panels, which provide high-efficiency, low-emission clean energy solutions India needs. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future empowered by the country's immense solar resources. Contact our solar experts at Waaree today!
