I am like many of you and often wonder how reliable warranties are. In this blog, I will discuss solar warranties and how they work. The first warranty is one for power production on our Tier 1, or highest quality, modules. The warranty states that the panels will produce at least 80% as well at the end of twenty-five years as they do their first year. The panels should perform better than this since the degree of degradation, or reduced production, is a maximum of .6% per year. You will receive this in writing from the panel manufacturer.

The second warranty is one for the DC optimizers wired to each panel. Optimizers are small black boxes communicating with the inverter so that even if there is a bad cell, snow, ice, shade, or bird droppings on part of the panel, the rest of it receives adequate electricity and continues to produce well. The Solar Edge optimizers we use have a twenty-five year warranty.

Solar Edge inverters also have a warranty. Inverters, which convert direct current to alternating current for use in your business or home, are an important part of generating electricity and are covered by a twelve-year warranty, which can be extended if you choose.
Should we decide to use Enphase micro inverters for your home, they warrantied for twenty-five years. Micro Inverters convert direct current to alternating current at the module level.

The typical warranty on a standard string inverter is ten years, however, most companies will offer a longer warranty period for an additional charge.
Solar Arrays are insured by the client to protect against wind, fire, large hail storms and vandalism. Solar panels are typical warrantied for 1’ sized hail stones at a 50 mph direct hit and the racking holding the modules is wind rated at 100 mph.

Finally, 1 Source Solar provides a ten-year service warranty on all our work with every contract for no additional charge. If something goes wrong with your solar, we will come out and take care of problems during this time period. You can pay extra to extend the warranty but this should not be necessary because solar is typically maintenance free.

Please contact 1 Source Solar or one of our solar sales specialists if you have questions about the warranties or anything else related to solar. Our number is 515-289-1974.