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NuWatt designs, installs, and manages solar, battery, heat pump, and EV charger systems across 9 states. One company, one warranty, one point of contact.
Get a Free QuoteThree warranty types. Dozens of exclusions. What actually happens when a panel fails after a nor'easter? Who fixes the roof leak five years after installation? This is the CT warranty guide installers don't hand you at signing.
Every CT solar installation should come with all three. Understanding which warranty covers what prevents expensive surprises years down the road.
The product warranty covers physical defects in the panel itself. If a panel fails due to a manufacturing issue, the manufacturer replaces it. Most premium brands offer 25 years; budget brands may offer 12 years.
What it covers:
What it does NOT cover:
The performance warranty guarantees your panels produce above a minimum threshold. Premium brands guarantee 90–92% output at year 25, with a maximum 0.5%/year degradation rate. This matters most for 25-year financial projections.
What it covers:
What it does NOT cover:
Workmanship warranty is the most variable — and most important. A 1-year workmanship warranty is nearly worthless; a 25-year warranty reflects a contractor's confidence in their installation quality. This is the warranty that covers roof leaks caused by improper flashing.
What it covers:
What it does NOT cover:
Four panels commonly installed in Connecticut, compared on warranty length, performance guarantee, and degradation rate.
| Brand | Origin | Product Warranty | Performance (yr 25) | Degradation/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Silfab Solar NuWatt primary panel — FEOC compliant, domestic content | Made in USA/Canada | 25 years | 25 years (92% at yr 25) | 0.54%/year |
REC Group Strong warranty, European quality standards | Made in Singapore/USA | 25 years | 25 years (86% at yr 25) | 0.7%/year |
Q.CELLS (Hanwha) US manufacturing, strong performance guarantee | Made in USA (Georgia) | 25 years | 25 years (86% at yr 25) | 0.54%/year |
Hyundai Energy NuWatt entry-tier panel — domestic manufacturing, solid warranty | Made in USA | 25 years | 25 years (84% at yr 25) | 0.7%/year |
All four brands meet CT climate requirements. Degradation rate matters most for long-term financial projections — lower is better. Performance guarantee floor at year 25 shows minimum expected output.
Inverters convert DC solar power to AC power. They are the most likely component to require service over a 25-year system life — warranty length matters enormously.
Industry-leading warranty. Each panel has its own inverter. If one fails, others unaffected.
Extended warranty available at installation. Inverter monitoring via app.
Reliable European brand. Common in larger systems. Single point of failure for string.
NuWatt recommendation: Enphase microinverters for CT homes. The 25-year standard warranty matches panel warranties exactly — no coverage gap, no upgrade purchase required. If one microinverter fails, the remaining panels continue producing at full capacity.
CT's climate creates risks that standard warranty guides don't address. Here is what CT homeowners specifically need to know.
CT sees 4–8 significant nor'easters per year. Wind speeds can reach 50–70 mph. Proper racking attachment to structural rafters — not just sheathing — is critical. A workmanship warranty should cover any racking failures. Actual storm damage is covered by homeowners insurance, not panel warranties.
Salt air accelerates corrosion on aluminum frames and mounting hardware. Premium panels use anodized frames and marine-rated hardware. Coastal CT homeowners should specifically ask for salt-air rated mounting hardware and anti-corrosion coatings. Silfab and REC both meet IEC 61701 salt mist corrosion testing.
CT averages 15–25 freeze-thaw cycles per winter. This stresses roof penetration seals and flashing. Proper flashing and sealant selection — matching CT's thermal range — is workmanship-specific. A 25-year workmanship warranty provides essential protection against freeze-related leaks years after installation.
CT panels are certified for 25–35 psf snow load per IBC requirements. Heavy snowfall events (18"+) can temporarily reduce output. Panels shed snow naturally as they warm from solar gain — generally, snow clearance is not needed or recommended. Panels should never be physically cleared with tools, which can void product warranty.
Important for coastal CT towns (Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Milford, Guilford, Old Saybrook): Always verify your panels carry IEC 61701 salt mist certification and your mounting hardware is specifically rated for coastal/marine environments. Standard hardware can corrode significantly in 5–10 years near salt water, voiding structural integrity even if the panel product warranty remains active.
Understanding exclusions prevents costly surprises. These items require homeowners insurance or are simply the homeowner's responsibility.
Notify your homeowners insurance company when your solar system is installed. Most CT policies automatically extend coverage to solar equipment as part of the dwelling structure — but verify this in writing. Some insurers require a rider or policy update. Coverage typically includes replacement cost for panels damaged by covered perils (hail, wind, falling objects, fire).
CT has seen dozens of solar installers close since 2020. Here is exactly what happens to each warranty type if your installer shuts down.
Manufacturer warranties are issued by Silfab, REC, Q.CELLS — not the installer. If your installer closes, call the manufacturer directly to file a warranty claim. You will need your original purchase receipt and system documentation.
Same as product warranty — issued by the manufacturer directly. Monitor your system output via the inverter app (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring) to detect degradation beyond warranted levels.
Enphase and SolarEdge issue warranties directly to the system owner. Contact them directly for service. Enphase has a particularly strong track record for honoring warranties even through installer transitions.
Workmanship warranty is only as good as the installer. If they close, the warranty is unenforceable. Any installation defects — roof leaks, loose racking, improper wiring — become your out-of-pocket cost. This is why workmanship warranty from a financially stable installer matters enormously.
Complete 25-year coverage across all warranty types for Connecticut homeowners.
Panels
Silfab or REC
25 Years
Product + performance warranty. 92% output guarantee at year 25. Silfab made in USA.
Inverters
Enphase Microinverters
25 Years
Industry-leading 25-year standard warranty. Individual inverters per panel.
Workmanship
NuWatt Energy
25 Years
Backed by NuWatt directly. Covers all installation labor, roof penetrations, racking, and wiring.
NuWatt provides complete 25-year warranty coverage — panels, inverters, and workmanship — for Connecticut homeowners. Free quote, no pressure.