If you’re considering investing in a home solar panel system in England, ensuring a warranty protects your investment is crucial.
A solar panel warranty functions similarly to an insurance policy by covering the parts of the solar system in case of damage or malfunction.
It includes various solar system components such as panels, inverters, and other parts.
With a comprehensive and long-lasting solar system warranty, you can have peace of mind, knowing your investment is fully secure.
This blog aims to help you better understand the solar panel warranties available in England to help you make the best investment decision.
So, what are the warranties available for home solar panels in England?
Types Of Home Solar Panel Warranty in England
Product Warranty
Solar panel product warranty covers materials-related issues like solar modules, wiring, and mounts.
This warranty ensures that if your solar panel stops functioning within a few months of installation due to any fault in the materials, you can get it repaired or replaced free of charge.
However, if your solar panels get damaged due to severe weather conditions such as hail storms, falling trees, or any other reason, you can claim the repair or replacement cost from your home insurance.
You should inform your insurance company that you have installed a solar panel system and include it in your insurance coverage.
Nowadays, though, most insurance companies in England cover solar panels as part of their standard policy, so you will not have to pay extra to get them protected.
Performance Warranty
Over time, solar panels can lose their effectiveness due to degradation, impacting performance or power output.
Typically, solar panels degrade at 0.5% annually after installation and increase after 20-25 years.
However, if the decrease in performance drops by more than expected and occurs earlier than the specified time frame, a performance warranty will cover this issue.
For instance, if the degradation loss specified is 0.50% per year and your solar panels begin to lose 1% productivity instead, then the performance warranty will guarantee that you’ll receive a replacement.
Note that the performance warranty only covers the panel’s power out and not other components or the panel itself.
Most performance warranties depend on the manufacturer and could last 15-25 or even 30 years before replacement.
For this reason, choosing panels that degrade slower is crucial because they tend to have higher performance warranties, which can even be a lifetime guarantee.
Installation Warranty
With an installation warranty, you won’t have to worry about unexpected repair costs if something goes wrong.
The warranty also guarantees that the solar system will work correctly and all the parts will function properly.
If something goes wrong due to poor installation, the installer will fix it for free.
To find the best warranties, working with a certified installation company partnered with leading solar brands is crucial.
This way, you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality installation and protected solar system.
Solar Battery and Inverter Warranty
If you want to improve the performance of your solar panel system, you can upgrade it with a solar battery and inverter.
However, this will increase the cost of your system.
Note that solar panel warranties do not cover inverters and batteries, as they have their own product warranties.
For example, solar battery warranties usually last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the type of battery technology used.
These warranties also can be based on either operational years or recharge cycles.
Some manufacturers provide warranties covering the product’s entire service life, so confirming the specific terms with the manufacturer is essential.
On the other hand, solar panel insurance mainly covers the inverter, so there’s no need for separate insurance.
However, the replacement costs can be significant if the inverter malfunctions and isn’t covered.
Inverters usually have a shorter lifespan than solar panels, which may mean they must be replaced earlier.
Conclusion
Understanding various warranties for your home solar system in England is crucial, as it’s not a cheap investment.
Warranties protect your investment and cover material defects, performance degradation, installation guarantees, and specific component warranties.
With a well-protected solar panel system, you can harness the power of renewable energy to benefit the environment and your finances for years to come.
Ready to embark on an exciting home solar journey?
We’d love to help you explore the amazing benefits of solar energy for your home.
From installation procedures to financial benefits, ECOfootprint Limited has got you covered!
Don’t wait any longer; contact us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards making a difference!
FAQs
1. How to choose the right solar panel warranty?
When choosing solar panel warranties, prioritise product warranties for defects and power warranties for electricity generation.
Also, check for transferability and labour costs for repairs. Look for additional workmanship warranties.
Keep in mind that warranties have exclusions, so it’s wise to have complementary homeowner’s insurance.
Remember, different manufacturers have varying warranty terms, so thorough reading is essential.
2. How to avoid solar warranty void?
Maintain solar panel warranty validity by letting only professionals handle your system and avoid DIY modifications.
When cleaning your panels, only use non-abrasive tools.
Monitor your panel regularly, and in the event of unusual drops in performance or signs of damage, immediately contact your installer.
3. What is Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the UK government’s program that offers financial benefits to those who generate renewable energy, such as solar power.
It enables them to return their excess electricity to the grid and earn money.
This program benefits households using a hybrid or on-grid solar system.
The energy companies will pay for every unit of extra electricity you produce and sell back to them.
However, your renewable energy installer must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for you to be eligible for this program.