A solar panel warranty protects your investment by guaranteeing repairs or replacements if something goes wrong within a certain time period. Most solar systems sold in Australia
come with multiple types of warranties covering the panels, their performance, and sometimes the installation itself.
Types of Solar Panel Warranties
1. Product Warranty (Manufacturer Guarantee)
This covers defects in materials and workmanship — such as frame failure, faulty cells, or connection issues. Good quality solar panels usually come with 10–25 year product warranties, with premium brands often offering the longest coverage.
A longer product warranty means the manufacturer stands behind the panel’s build quality — and usually reflects better manufacturing standards.
2. Performance Warranty (Power Output Guarantee)
Solar panels naturally lose a bit of efficiency over time. A performance warranty assures you that the panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original power after a set period — commonly:
• ~90–92 % of rated output after 10 years • ~80–85 % of original output at 25 years
For example, if a panel is rated at 1000 W, an 80 % output guarantee after 25 years means it should still produce at least 800 W at that age.
3. Workmanship Warranty (Installer Warranty)
This covers installation‑related issues — for example, faulty mounting, wiring problems, or leaks around roof penetrations. Workmanship warranties are usually provided by your installer and can range from 5 years up to around 10 years (in some cases longer).
This warranty is separate from the panel manufacturer’s warranty and depends on the installer — so choosing a trusted installer matters.
How Long Should Your Solar Warranty Be?
Here are the typical warranty periods you’ll encounter in Australia:
Warranty Type Typical Duration What It Covers
Product Warranty 10–25 years Panel build quality and defects
Performance Warranty ~25 years Guaranteed electricity output over time
Workmanship / Installer
Warranty 5–10 years Installation‑related issues
Longer warranties typically indicate higher‑quality panels and better long‑term backing from reputable manufacturers.
Why Solar Panel Warranties Matter
Solar systems are a long‑term investment, and warranties help protect that investment:
✔ Peace of mind: You’re covered if panels fail prematurely. ✔ Longer value: Performance warranties help ensure panels keep producing energy for many years. ✔ Installation protection: Workmanship warranties help fix issues that aren’t manufacturer related.
However, a warranty is only as good as the company behind it — if the manufacturer or installer goes out of business, claim fulfilment may become more difficult. For this reason, choosing a reputable brand and installer with a stable presence in Australia is crucial.
How to Claim a Solar Warranty
If you notice a significant drop in performance or a fault with your panels:
1. Contact your installer or solar retailer first.
2. Arrange an inspection to identify the issue.
3. If within warranty, the installer or manufacturer typically handles the claim process on your behalf.
4. Keep warranty documents and proof of installation handy — these help support your claim.
Claims may be declined if panels have been physically damaged by external events (like hail) — these are usually covered by insurance, not manufacturer warranties.
Choosing the Best Warranty for Your Home
When comparing solar panels and systems:
Look for longer performance warranties (80 %+ at 25 years). Consider premium brands with higher output guarantees. Ensure your installer offers a workmanship warranty. Confirm the warranty terms and exclusions before signing.
Taking these steps helps you safeguard your solar investment and get the most value over decades of clean energy generation.