Adding solar panels is one of the safest and smartest investments you can make for your home! Top solar panel manufacturers give you even more peace of mind by offering solar performance guarantees and warranties. Solar panels, and the parts that make up the rest of the system, are designed to last for decades. With a guarantee, you know that your solar panels will continue to bring you the promised amount of electricity over the years– or the manufacturer will fix the issue.
How is a solar performance guarantee different from a product warranty?
- A product warranty covers the different parts in your system– a typical warranty will say that if anything goes wrong because of a manufacturing defect, you will get a new part. You will also get a service warranty, which covers any issues from installation.
- A performance guarantee looks at the actual power output of your panels. It guarantees not just that the solar panel will work, but that it will perform at a high level. When you get your new solar system, it will come with specs that tell you the minimum peak output of your panels. With a guarantee, you will know that your panels are going to put out a certain percentage of their rated power.
- What performance should I expect from my solar panels?
A strong, reliable home solar system can work for decades through heat, cold, rain, and snow. You want a system that can maximize the amount of power you can produce and minimize the amount of money you spend on electric bills for a lifetime. Performance guarantees will tell you the minimum amount of power you can count on getting from your solar panels. Like a rechargeable battery, solar panels produce slightly less power after you’ve had them for many years, but you’ll always get a specified output. If your panels do not perform, the guarantee will not just replace the part, but will also repay you for any shortfall in power.
How can I monitor the performance of my solar panels?
Part of the fun of having solar panels is watching them pump out power (and save you money). Most systems provide an in-home display to see how your panels are performing. You may also be able to monitor performance online or through a mobile app. Some manufacturers automatically notify dealers if there is any performance issue.
