Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
Quick Answer
Solar panels have two warranties: product (manufacturing defects, 25–30 years) and performance (guaranteed output, typically 87% at year 25). Inverters are warrantied separately (12–25 years). Labor warranty depends on installer — NuWatt includes 25-year workmanship coverage. Always verify who handles warranty claims: manufacturer, installer, or financing company.
Product, performance, and workmanship warranties explained. Panel and inverter comparisons, claim procedures, common exclusions, and what happens if your installer goes out of business.
A complete solar warranty has three layers. Most homeowners only ask about the panel warranty, but the workmanship warranty is often the most important for long-term protection — and varies the most between installers.
25-30 years (panel); 10-25 years (inverter)
Covers
Manufacturing defects, material failures, premature hardware breakdown
Does NOT Cover
Physical damage from storms, unauthorized modifications, cosmetic issues
25-30 years (linear or stepped)
Covers
Guaranteed minimum power output (e.g., 87% at year 25)
Does NOT Cover
Output loss from shading, dirt, or system design issues
1-25 years (varies dramatically by installer)
Covers
Installation errors, roof penetration leaks, wiring issues, mounting failures
Does NOT Cover
Equipment failures (covered by product warranty), acts of God
Many budget installers offer only 1–5 year workmanship warranties. This means if a roof leak develops from a poor panel mount at year 6, you pay for the repair out of pocket — even though your panels are under manufacturer warranty. NuWatt provides a 25-year workmanship warranty that matches the life of your panels.
NuWatt offers three panel tiers, each from a Tier 1 manufacturer with strong warranty backing. The table below compares their warranty terms side by side.
| Panel | Product | Performance | Yr 25 Output | Degradation | Claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai HiE-S440VG440W | 25 yr | 25 yr | 86.5% | 0.50%/yr | Hyundai direct |
| Silfab SIL-440-BG440W | 30 yr | 30 yr | 87.6% | 0.40%/yr | Silfab direct (US HQ) |
| REC Alpha Pure-R 460460W | 25 yr | 25 yr | 92.0% | 0.25%/yr | REC ProTrust / REC direct |
Best performance guarantee; lowest degradation in class
Inverters have shorter warranties than panels because they contain more active electronic components. The biggest decision is whether to extend your string inverter warranty at time of purchase — it is significantly cheaper than replacing the unit later.
| Model | Type | Base Warranty | Extendable | Extension Cost | Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enphase IQ8+ | Microinverter | 25 years | N/A (already 25yr) | — | Included (Enlighten) |
| SolarEdge HD-Wave | String + Optimizers | 12 years | Yes, to 20 or 25 years | ~$150-200 | Included (mySolarEdge) |
| SMA Sunny Boy | String Inverter | 10 years | Yes, to 15 or 20 years | ~$200-350 | Included (Sunny Portal) |
Always extend your SolarEdge warranty to 25 years at installation. The $150–$200 cost is a fraction of the $2,000–$3,500 replacement cost if the inverter fails at year 13. For Enphase IQ8 microinverters, no extension is needed — you get 25 years standard.
The answer depends on how you financed your system. Leases and PPAs shift warranty responsibility to the financing company, while owned systems require you to work with the manufacturer and installer directly.
Who Handles It
Manufacturer (product/performance) + Installer (workmanship)
Process
Contact manufacturer directly or through installer. Manufacturer ships replacement; installer handles labor.
Risk Level
If installer goes out of business, you handle labor cost for manufacturer warranty claims.
Who Handles It
Lease company handles everything
Process
Call lease company. They coordinate with manufacturer and send a technician.
Risk Level
Low risk — lease company is contractually responsible for system maintenance.
Who Handles It
PPA provider handles everything
Process
Contact PPA company. They own the system and handle all warranty claims.
Risk Level
Low risk — PPA company has financial incentive to keep system producing.
Understanding what your warranty does not cover is just as important as knowing what it does. Here are the most common exclusions across all major panel manufacturers.
| Exclusion | Examples | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Acts of God / Force Majeure | Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, lightning strikes | File under homeowner insurance instead |
| Unauthorized modifications | Adding panels without manufacturer approval, third-party wiring changes | Always use certified installers for modifications |
| Improper installation | Panels installed at wrong angle, inadequate ventilation, poor wiring | Product warranty may be void if installer not certified |
| Normal cosmetic wear | Minor discoloration, frame scratching, label fading | Does not affect performance — cosmetic only |
| Damage from cleaning | Pressure washing, abrasive cleaners, walking on panels | Use soft water rinse or professional panel cleaning service |
The solar industry has seen significant consolidation, with dozens of installers closing in 2024-2025. If your installer is no longer operating, here is what still applies and what you lose.
If your original installer is no longer in business, NuWatt can take over service and maintenance of your system. We handle manufacturer warranty claims, diagnose production issues, and provide ongoing support — even for systems we did not install. Learn about Solar Orphan Rescue.
Product warranty covers manufacturing defects (25-30 years). Performance warranty guarantees minimum output, typically 87%+ at year 25. Workmanship/labor warranty covers installation quality — this varies the most, from 1 year (budget installers) to 25 years (NuWatt). Always ask about all three before signing.
A performance warranty guarantees your panels will produce a minimum percentage of their rated output at specific milestones. For example, REC guarantees 92% output at year 25. If your panels underperform this threshold, the manufacturer must repair, replace, or compensate you. This is measured by comparing actual production to expected production.
Product and performance warranties from major manufacturers (Hyundai, Silfab, REC) transfer automatically to new homeowners with no paperwork. Installer workmanship warranties vary — NuWatt's 25-year workmanship warranty transfers to new owners at no cost. Always verify transferability before buying a home with solar.
Your manufacturer product and performance warranties remain valid regardless of installer status — they are between you and the manufacturer. However, you lose the workmanship/labor warranty. NuWatt carries a surety bond to cover workmanship claims even in the unlikely event of business closure. For other installers, you would need to hire a different company for labor.
If you have a SolarEdge or SMA string inverter, extending to 25 years for $150-350 is one of the best investments in solar. String inverters are the most likely component to need replacement. For Enphase microinverters, no extension is needed — they come with 25 years standard.
Contact the manufacturer directly with your system details, installation date, and evidence of the issue (monitoring data, photos). Most manufacturers have online claim portals. For workmanship issues (leaks, wiring), contact your installer. NuWatt handles the full claim process on behalf of our customers.
Yes, most homeowner insurance policies cover roof-mounted solar panels as part of the dwelling. This covers damage from storms, hail, fallen trees, and other perils not covered by manufacturer warranty. You may need to increase your coverage limit to reflect the added value ($20,000-40,000). Check with your insurer.
NuWatt provides a 25-year workmanship warranty covering all installation-related issues: roof penetrations, mounting hardware, wiring, conduit, and electrical connections. This matches or exceeds the manufacturer product warranty, ensuring you have complete coverage for the life of your system. No other installer in our market offers this length of workmanship warranty.
NuWatt is the only installer in the Northeast offering 25-year workmanship warranties that match your panel and inverter coverage. No gaps, no surprises.